Rosslyn, one of Pretoria’s industrial hubs, is taking a major step toward a greener, more sustainable future, as both public and private initiatives converge to drive renewable energy adoption and climate-conscious industrial growth.

In 2024, recycled paper manufacturer Neopak, based in Rosslyn, committed at the Capital City Business Chamber Prestige Gala Dinner, themed Capital City Going Green, to invest R150-million in renewable energy projects.

The company has now marked the completion of this pledge with the launch of a 6.5MW Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant and a 3.6MW solar plant, both aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions and supporting sustainable industrial operations.

The mayor’s spokesperson Samkelo Mgobozi said while Neopak’s investment represents a major private-sector milestone, it is part of a broader metro strategy to make Rosslyn and Pretoria a hub of environmentally responsible industry.

The metro has been advancing its green agenda through a comprehensive policy and governance framework.

Following the promulgation of the Climate Act in 2024, municipalities are required to conduct climate response assessments and develop plans that define exposure, mitigation strategies, and contribution targets.

Mgobozi said the municipality regularly updates its Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, has completed a detailed Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment, and obtained Council approval for its Climate Action Plan on May 26, 2022.

He said implementation of the plan is reviewed quarterly, with each municipal department having a designated climate action focal point to ensure climate commitments are embedded in daily operations.

Progress reports are consolidated through the office of the COO and submitted to the mayoral committee for oversight.

Mgobozi said the Tshwane metro is the only municipality in South Africa with a dedicated Sustainability Division within the Office of the Mayor, ensuring climate priorities are mainstreamed across departments.

Several tangible initiatives include the deployment of electric vehicles in the municipal fleet, the introduction of the Green Building By-law, a five-star green rating for Tshwane House and support for Kasi cycling initiatives and township greening programmes.

“These milestones demonstrate that sustainability is not only a policy goal but a reality shaping municipal operations and urban life,” said Mgobozi.

Beyond industrial applications, the Tshwane metro is opening the renewable energy market to residential, commercial, and community stakeholders.

The metro has adopted a comprehensive renewable energy policy framework and initiated processes to attract independent power producers, guided by appointed transaction advisors.

While Rosslyn remains a strategic anchor due to its globally integrated automotive industry, the embedded generation policy allows small and medium enterprises to participate in installation, maintenance, and technical services for renewable energy systems.

Mgobozi said energy security is a key pillar of the Tshwane Economic Revitalisation Strategy and the Automotive City Master Plan.

The plan aims to develop over 7 000 hectares for globally competitive automotive manufacturing, potentially creating 150 000 direct and indirect jobs, with an uninterrupted, low-carbon energy supply central to its success.

“Tshwane collaborates with international and local partners to drive sustainability, including the Gauteng Climate Change Forum, the Danish Embassy on water management, and the World Bank on heat response and water conservation initiatives.

“It is also a member of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, accessing global best practices in urban climate governance,” he said.

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