Speaking at the 4th Annual Southern Africa Oil & Gas Conference 2025 in Cape Town this week, Mantashe emphasised the need for policies that drive growth and create opportunities in the sector.

"It is the first time that shipbuilding is hosted in Africa, and we are the host. All that is important is that the oil and gas industry must position itself to exploit that opportunity," Mantashe stated.

Bongani Sayidini, acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Petroleum Agency SA, highlighted the region’s untapped potential in oil and gas.

"SA is potentially endowed with oil. As the Petroleum Agency, we estimate that this country contains some 27 billion barrels and 60 trillion cubic feet in prospective oil and gas resources. This means there is a lot of potential to invest in this country in terms of development," he said.

Adrian Strydom, Executive Director and CEO of the SA Oil & Gas Alliance, stressed the importance of a balanced approach to industry growth.

"It is important that we look at developing our people and products in oil and gas, but also to have a purpose-driven approach. We must also look after our planet," Strydom stated.

Meanwhile, NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, called for stronger local content policies to create employment opportunities for African professionals.

"We have to invest more in training young people for the industry. More young people want to work for good, not just for Exxon or Chevron. We need to close the skills deficit by getting young people and women into the industry, closing the gap between struggle and success," Ayuk said.

Ayuk also raised concerns about pipeline security, warning of the risks posed by vandalism and crude oil theft. "Pipeline vandalisation is a security problem. When pipelines are damaged or crude is stolen, it disrupts the entire supply chain," he noted.

--ChannelAfrica--