Trailblazer : Hon. Lisa Mangcu, Deputy Minister of Transport

Climate Change Commitment in The Transport Industry

By Raine St.Claire

In March 2023, Mr. Lisa Mangcu assumed the position of Deputy Minister of Transport in South Africa. His appointment marked a significant development in the Department of Transport, bringing fresh leadership to the nation’s critical transport sector. Minister Mangcu is no stranger to the transport sector and his experience in the transport industry dates far back into the late 1980s where he started his career off as a traffic officer in the Eastern Cape.

In 1998, he began his journey with the National Department of Transport, dedicating himself to the role until 2004. Subsequently, he undertook a new assignment within the Provincial Department of Transport in Mpumalanga. Owing to his meticulous contributions to the field, Mr. Mangcu wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity to lead the City of Tshwane municipality as the Head of Transport. Shortly thereafter, in 2010, he assumed an even greater responsibility, stepping into the role of Deputy City Manager to lead the city.

In 2019, he made the transition to become a Member of Parliament actively serving in the Transport Portfolio Committee, eventually taking on the role of committee chair. He continued to hold the positions of Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the transport committee until his appointment as Deputy Minister of Transport on 6 March 2023.

It is indisputable that Mr. Mangcu possesses extensive experience in all facets of the transport industry, from his early career at the junior level to his current executive role. His journey has encompassed a comprehensive understanding of the sector’s intricacies.

Vision: Transforming Aviation For Climate Action and Economic Growth

Minister Mangcu oversees sectors known for their challenging emissions. Among the responsibilities of the transport portfolio is civil aviation, which presently accounts for over 8% of our nation’s total transport-related CO2 emissions responsibility for emissions in particular with OR Tambo Airport ranking as the highest emitter on the African continent.

In response to these challenges, South Africa has taken significant steps, including updating its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and committing to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Aligned with the President’s Just Energy Transition Plan for South Africa, Minister Mangcu is resolute in his dedication to addressing climate change, especially within the transport sector, with a particular focus on aviation.

At the heart of the Minister’s vision lies Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), offering substantial potential for reducing jet fuel emissions by utilising bio-based sources. These low-carbon alternatives are expected to play a pivotal role in the aviation industry’s efforts to mitigate carbon emissions. Local SAF production aligns with climate objectives and holds the promise of economic benefits, including exports and job creation. Studies suggest that sustainable aviation fuels can increase GDP by 3.7% by 2050, translating to nearly ZAR 400 billion in absolute GDP growth.

Derived from bio-based feedstocks like energy crops, waste, residues, and end-of-life products, these eco-friendly alternatives have the capacity to significantly curtail emissions. By 2030, local demand is expected to remain limited, at approximately 0.2 Mtpa, driven by sustainable aviation fuels, vehicle mobility, and green steel. However, domestic demand will accelerate as price parity gets closer to fossil fuels. South Africa, endowed with abundant feedstock resources and industry leaders like Sasol and PetroSA, is well-positioned to embrace SAF adoption.

The nation’s active participation in ICAO’s ACTSAF programme underscores its unwavering commitment to SAF development. While celebrating past successes, such as the 2015 Solaris project, the Minister underscores the paramount importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including government, the private sector, and civil society. This collaborative approach is pivotal in achieving sustainable aviation through consistent, scalable efforts.

Hon. Mangcu’s primary objective is to take decisive climate action, stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and concurrently promote environmental sustainability. The SAF roadmap is designed to inspire innovation and strategic planning by harnessing collective strengths, ultimately leading to a more environmentally responsible aviation industry.