ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
In a decisive move to fortify South Africa’s energy sovereignty, eThekwini City Manager Mr. Musa Mbhele and the Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Hon. Phumzile Mgcina, conducted a strategic oversight visit to the former SAPREF Refinery in Prospecton today, 30 March 2026. This high-level engagement underscores a coordinated national and local effort to revitalize the inactive industrial site.
Once the cornerstone of the nation’s fuel production, the facility—now rebranded as the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) Refinery—is being reimagined as a primary catalyst for a modern industrial renaissance. The restoration mission is centered at the nexus of the petrochemical value chain, the Port of Durban’s logistics hub, and the economic pulse of KwaZulu-Natal.
“This is more than a technical inspection; it is a signal of unyielding coordination between national and local government,” stated Hon. Deputy Minister Mgcina. City Manager Mr. Musa Mbhele added, “The SANPC Refinery is a vital organ of our municipal and national economy. Its revival ensures that eThekwini remains a competitive global player in industrial development.”
The refinery’s return to operational excellence opens the door for a strategic, BRICS-aligned crude supply arrangement. By leveraging South Africa’s membership, the facility will secure reliable, diversified energy flows and enhance regional fuel price stability. In an era of persistent global geopolitical risks, this shift toward resilient energy partnerships is essential to shielding the domestic economy from international supply shocks.
The restoration is projected to be a transformative economic engine, generating 12,500 construction jobs and 2,850 permanent positions. Furthermore, the project is expected to contribute 1.8% to the national GDP, maintaining a strict commitment to 65% local content integration.
The oversight visit included a comprehensive technical progress overview and high-level discussions on aligning investment with infrastructure. As South Africa navigates an evolving energy landscape, the revival of the SANPC Refinery stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to self-reliance, operational excellence, and economic resilience.
ENDS
