STORY: Africa Energy Indaba highlights prospects of South Africa-China energy cooperation
SHOOTING DATE: March 6, 2024
DATELINE: March 7, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:44
LOCATION: Cape Town
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the venue
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): GWEDE MANTASHE, South African Mineral Resources and Energy Minister
3. various of the venue
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): AMIENE VAN DER MERWE, Managing director of Green Cab
5. various of the venue

STORYLINE:

The ongoing Africa Energy Indaba 2024 in Cape Town, the legislative capital of South Africa, shed light on the prospects for energy cooperation between South Africa and China, with South African Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe emphasizing the positive relationship between the two countries.
   
Held under the theme "African Energy Transitioning from Aspiration to Action -- Delivering a Sustainable and Prosperous Future," the 16th edition of the Indaba aims to explore ways to advance Africa's renewable energy development.
   
The event showcases a range of energy technologies, innovations, and solutions that are shaping the energy landscape and eradicating energy poverty on the African continent.
   
When asked by Xinhua about South Africa-China energy cooperation at a press briefing on Tuesday, Mantashe said China is South Africa's largest trading partner and the two countries have a positive relationship.
   
Noting that both China and South Africa are members of the BRICS group, he stressed the importance of maintaining and enhancing relations with China and other countries within the framework.
   
SOUNDBITE 1 (English): GWEDE MANTASHE, South African Mineral Resources and Energy Minister
"Fortunately China is our biggest trading partner as we sit here today. China is trading with us on a whole range of products and issues, and that trade volume is important for us as an economy. We are actively trading with them, so we should continue to do so."
   
The event, running from Tuesday to Thursday, brings together government officials, industry experts, project developers, energy users, and manufacturers to discuss and pursue lasting solutions for the energy transition. 

It also featured more than 200 exhibitors who introduced cutting-edge technologies and solutions that will drive the continent's renewable energy transition and foster change in the energy sector.
   
The Green Cab, one of the local exhibitors, is an eco-innovative green mobility company based in Cape Town that provides cost-effective, environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
   
Amiene van der Merwe, managing director of the Green Cab, said she is optimistic about the prospects of Chinese new energy vehicles in South Africa.
   
SOUNDBITE 2 (English): AMIENE VAN DER MERWE, Managing director of Green Cab
"There is a great prospect of utilizing electric cars from China in South Africa. I would say Chinese vehicles are late entrants, either the traditional or EMs (electric motors). In terms of sales and in terms of price point, quality and battery performance, I think the Chinese vehicles are superior. I think they've got a great future here. And it's clear that the future of urban transport is electric."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Cape Town.
(XHTV)