Minister Ramokgopa urges premium spending to drive industrialisation via grid expansion [SOUND]

# Electricity and Energy minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says South Africa is prepared to pay a premium to ensure the multibillion-rand electricity grid expansion boosts industrialisation and transformation. Speaking in Sandton, Ramokgopa acknowledged industry concerns over the Independent Transmission Project procurement and promised local-content stipulations and participation for domestic contractors. He said that pre-qualified bidders will be announced by 15 December, with the formal request for proposals due in 2026: