25 November 2000
The Deputy Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Susan Shabangu, invites you to attend the International Conference on Solar Cooking 2000 from 27 - 29 November 2000 at the Tabernacle Church and Conference Centre in Kimberley, South Africa.
The conference will focus on the sharing of ideas regarding effective strategies for the commercialisation of solar cooking, solar food processing, solar water heating, solar passive design housing and the biomass initiative.
Renewable energy, especially solar cooking, offers solutions to the basic energy needs of households in rural areas. Too many people are still faced with the challenges of collecting firewood and there is a high rate of infant mortality due to respiratory smoke-related diseases. Renewable energy contributes towards the efficient utilisation of natural resources and to a clean environment. It also enhances the provision of the infrastructure necessary for growth and poverty reduction, which is consistent with environmentally sound harnessing of global resources.
In line with the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Strategy the Deputy Minister would like to encourage the use of renewable energy technologies as a catalyst for economic development, for instance solar water pumping for irrigation, agriculture. Use of solar dryers for crop drying and food processing.
Issued by: Department of Minerals and Energy
ENQUIRIES:
Mr. Kanyo Gqulu
Tel: (012) 317 9537
Fax: (012) 322 4954
Cell: 083 29 333 77
E-mail: yonelas@mepta.pwv.gov.za