News

Download logo

The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy expressed its concern over potential job losses as a result of the Just Energy Transition (JET) plan when it received a briefing from Eskom on the revised plan, decoupled from the decommissioning of plants.

The Eskom JET strategy has been decoupled from the decommissioning schedule to ensure independence from plant operations. Eskom's plan promotes the optimal use of the existing coal fleet while rolling out clean energy capacity to ensure security of supply and energy sustainability.

The committee engaged with the power utility on its R400 billion debt burden along with limited government support, as the fiscus cannot keep funding Eskom in the way it has in the past. Also, due to the inflated cost of electricity, the entity has declining energy sales, escalating municipal debt and less than cost-reflective tariffs.

The committee demanded an explanation from Eskom on how it plans to secure the substantial assistance and sustained funding required for the entire JET, including the estimated R257 billion for a minimum emission standards compliance and the 14,000 km of grid expansion needed by 2034.

Eskom said that it has a commitment to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030. Regarding minimisation of any disruption that might occur, Eskom said that the transition not only includes sustainability but also energy security and affordability.

The power utility stated that in its communication, it has been indicating that coal is not an issue. But to manage the transition, the entity uses technology to make it safe to reduce emissions. The committee heard that Eskom will not shut down coal-powered stations for the sake of shutdown and disrupt the economy but, where it is possible, coal will be used as optimally and efficiently as possible within the ambit of the commitments made.

Regarding the strategies that are being implemented to mitigate the risks of funding delays and the impact of the US withdrawal from the International Partners Group, Eskom said the dynamics and changes from the US have changed how the power entity traditionally views funding. However, Eskom believes that change comes with opportunity.

Eskom told the committee that the entity also engaged with the World Bank to source funding from various international funders. The committee heard that funders are aware of their five-year project from the discussions already undertaken.

Regarding job losses due to the closure of the coal power stations and the JET plan, Eskom told the committee that it wants to grow the economy on all fronts, while continuously using all the available resources to meet emission targets. The committee noted the difficulties arising from the decommissioning of power stations, which include job losses and economic and social impacts.

The committee expressed its appreciation to Eskom for stabilising the grid and avoiding loadshedding for a sustained period. The committee told Eskom that nuclear energy is probably the safest and cleanest energy source available. Members of the committee advised Eskom about the possibility of considering the new technology of using nuclear waste stored at fire pits for generating electricity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Download logo

The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs yesterday received the overall 2024 national and provincial elections report and appreciated the strong introspection on the part of the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), which will create a platform for self-correction and strengthened electoral processes. The committee is confident that the areas of improvement highlighted by the IEC did not have a direct impact on the elections being free and fair.

“The areas of improvement identified by the IEC, such as challenges with the IT system, faults with the voter management devices, voting station inefficiencies and the need for improved training of electoral staff assure the committee that the Commission is doing everything to improve the quality of voting experience and efficiency of a voting station,” said Mr Mosa Chabane, the Chairperson of the committee. The committee highlighted that the report also reaffirms the IEC's credibility as a body that delivers quality, verifiable and open elections.

Despite this, the committee emphasised the need for a reassessment of how to address the challenge of voter apathy and declining voter turnout. The committee has emphasised that enhanced civic and democratic education strategies must be urgently implemented to ensure that the number of voters increases, thereby strengthening the country's democracy.

“There must be a reflection, not only from the IEC's perspective but from society in general, that voter turnout is unacceptably low and impacts on the strength of South African democracy, a hard-fought right,” Mr Chabane said. The committee reaffirmed the IEC's integrity and system veracity over time, and acknowledged improvement since its establishment. Additionally, IEC has been recognised as a benchmark for election machinery on the continent.

Meanwhile, the committee reflected on the impact of Section 24 (A) provision in the Electoral Amendment Act. The committee called on the IEC to develop a report on both the positive and negative impacts of this section during the 2024 elections. The committee highlighted its strong view on the need to review this provision, especially in the context of the unintended consequences for voter apathy.

The committee welcomed the assurance from the IEC that it is working on a reimagined voter experience that includes the value proposition that a voter does not spend more than 30 minutes in a voting station. This would require improving the quality of staff employed at voting stations, optimising processes, ironing out problems with technical tools and improving the response rate to challenges arising in voting stations.

Meanwhile, the committee has urged the IEC to highlight any legislative gaps that the committee and Parliament can work on to ensure that elections are seamless.

The committee welcomed the 59% increase in the number of voting districts over the past 25 years, which reduces the average spread of voters per voting station. The committee continued to highlight that voting stations must be as close as possible to the people to ensure ease of access.

Furthermore, the committee has welcomed the processing of the legal matter relating to IEC Commissioner Dr Nomsa Masuku in line with and within the framework of the Constitution. The committee welcomes the fact that the Commissioner has not participated in IEC affairs since her legal challenges.

On the expiry of the term of the IEC Chairperson, Mr Mosotho Moepya, and those of Judge Dhaya Pillay and Dr Masuku the committee thanked them for their service and integrity in advancing the work of the IEC. “Their dedication and sleepless nights have contributed to strengthening South Africa's democracy,” Mr Chabane said.

The committee has reiterated the need for continued protection of the IEC's credibility, as it plays a crucial role in promoting democratic processes.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Download logo

The Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources has urged the Department of Electricity and Energy to localise the production of renewable products instead of relying on overseas countries.

The committee received a briefing yesterday from the Department of Electricity and Energy about the implementation of the Renewable Energy Sector Master Plan (RESMP). The department's presentation outlined the objectives of the Master Plan which highlighted its role as an industrialisation tool that seeks to harness the growing demand for renewable energy resources, particularly solar and wind.

The department stressed the importance of developing inclusive economic growth by ensuring that previously disadvantaged communities, especially youth and women, are actively engaged in the energy sector. Initiatives that are in the Master Plan and that were presented and discussed with committee members comprised the localisation of production, the establishment of skills development programs, and the implementation of robust monitoring frameworks to its track progress.

The committee said the Master Plan should not only provide a sustainable energy solution but also contribute to employment, job creation including skills development . Questions to the department were mostly about the integration of youth and vulnerable communities into the renewable energy sector. The committee queried about measures being taken to ensure that previously disadvantaged communities especially in rural areas benefit from the Master Plan.

The department acknowledged its responsibility to achieving at least 50% of job opportunities for youth and marginalised communities, alongside initiatives to map skills requirements and enhance internship programs.

On the issue of localisation of renewable energy production. The committee sought clarity on how the RESMP plans to localise production and reduce reliance on foreign countries. Members said South Africa should be a manufacturer on renewable products such solar panels instead of training people to assemble. Committee members said the country needs to start speaking about the production of solar panels and charge controllers.

The department re-assured members of the committee that plans are in place to look into localised manufacturing opportunities.

Regulatory obstacles were addressed and identified to be an apprehension, the committee expressed worry concerning the moratorium on letters of no objection from the Department of Defence to Independent Power Producers. As part of the process to register as an IPP , they need a letter of no objection from the Department of Defence. The committee said this may hamper the progress of IPP. The department said it would engage with the relevant authorities to resolve these challenges so that they are not a deterrent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Download logo

The G20 is a global economic forum with the potential to transform lives for women and girls globally. Here's why South Africa's leadership in 2025 represents a pivotal moment. We asked UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office Programme Analyst Neo Mofokeng how South Africa's 2025 presidency could advance gender equality.

What is the G20, and why should women care?

The Group of Twenty (G20) is an international forum for governments and central bank governors from 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union. It was established in 1999 to bring together the world's major economies to discuss and promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth. It brings together the world's largest economies, representing 67 per cent of the global population and 85 per cent of global GDP. When G20 countries make decisions, they don't just affect stock markets; they directly impact whether women can access credit to start businesses, find decent jobs, or receive social protection during crises. From climate financing to digital transformation, the G20's policies ripple through national economies, determining whether women are empowered or excluded from economic opportunities. When these countries and regional entities commit to gender-responsive policies, the effects are systemic, not symbolic.

What makes South Africa's G20 presidency historic?

South Africa's G20 presidency in 2025 marks a critical moment as it is the first time an African country has led the forum. This leadership comes just five years before the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), bringing renewed urgency to accelerate progress on SDGs, particularly SDG 5: Gender Equality. Under the theme "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability", South Africa's presidency directly aligns with the global agenda for gender equality and women's empowerment. It is worth noting that South Africa has prioritized debt sustainability for low-income countries – a key gender justice issue, as debt crises often trigger austerity measures that disproportionately affect women and girls by reducing access to healthcare, education, and social protection.

What does gender mainstreaming mean in the G20 context?

While the G20 includes a dedicated Working Group on Women's Empowerment, true progress requires gender mainstreaming, which is the embedding of gender perspectives across all working groups, not just the one explicitly focused on women's issues. This means finance ministers considering how monetary policies affect women differently, infrastructure discussions evaluating women's mobility and safety, and trade negotiations assessing impacts on women entrepreneurs. There is no such thing as gender-neutral economic policy - all decisions have differentiated impacts on women and men.

What are the priorities for gender mainstreaming for this year's G20?

To carry forward the Global South priorities from the previous G20 presidencies of Indonesia, India, and Brazil, the following priorities were adopted as the focus areas for gender mainstreaming into this G20 presidency. The first priority is to shift policy perspectives on the care economy around paid and unpaid care work and household responsibilities. The second is to promote financial inclusion of and for women, and the third priority is to address gender-based violence and femicide, which threaten the lives and livelihoods of women.

How is progress on gender equality measured in the G20?

Despite the growing recognition of the importance of gender equality, tracking progress remains challenging. The most prominent commitment is the 2014 "25x25 goal", reducing the gender gap in labour force participation by 25 per cent by 2025. As this deadline approaches, it serves as a critical test case for G20 accountability. However, other dimensions like unpaid care work, gender-based violence, and women's leadership receive less attention. Gender-related commitments sometimes appear in one year's declaration but vanish in the next, making long-term progress difficult to track. This is another reason why mainstreaming gender in the G20 is so important.

What makes the G20's influence on gender equality so significant?

In a world of countless international forums, the G20's influence is unmatched. When G20 countries commit to closing gender gaps in labour force participation or expanding women's access to finance, the ripple effects shift global economic patterns and influence international norms far beyond G20 borders. The G20 serves as a strategic lever with the capacity to drive policy coherence by integrating gender equality across economic, climate, and digital agendas, foster shared accountability through joint monitoring, and mobilize financing with intent, ensuring gender equality is resourced, not just referenced.

What is UN Women's role in the G20 process?

UN Women plays a pivotal role by advocating for gender mainstreaming across all G20 policy areas, providing technical expertise and data to working groups, and engaging with key stakeholders like the Women 20 (W20) engagement group. The organization works to ensure that gender perspectives are systematically mainstreamed into G20 discussions, communiqués, and policy frameworks, with a strong focus on women's economic empowerment, financial inclusion, and ending violence against women and girls.

How has UN Women supported South Africa's G20 presidency?

UN Women, through its South Africa Multi-Country Office, has provided comprehensive technical and financial support to the South African Government, made possible by backing from The Ford Foundation, the Government of Ireland, and the UN Women Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office. This support has been crucial in advancing gender equality within South Africa's G20 agenda.

• Youth Engagement: In February 2025, UN Women partnered with the South African Institute of International Affairs youth division to organize the "Bridging the Gap for Global Impact" workshop in Johannesburg, bringing together 150 young leaders aged 18-25. The workshop provided tools for effectively engaging decision-makers and included panel discussions on gender advocacy, enabling participants to develop strategies for promoting gender equality.
• Transforming Patriarchal Masculinities: In March 2025, UN Women hosted a dialogue on "Transforming Patriarchal Masculinities for a Gender-Equal World" in Pretoria, bringing together 150 students from universities, technical and vocational education and training institutions, and high schools. This dialogue compiled youth recommendations for the Women's Empowerment Ministerial Working Group meeting.
• Technical Working Group Support: UN Women provided crucial support to all three Empowerment of Women Working Group meetings throughout 2025. The February virtual meeting focused on setting the priorities of the care economy, financial inclusion, and gender-based violence. The May meeting in Sun City emphasized advancing financial inclusion and developing a Guidelines Framework for mainstreaming women's priorities in global financial systems. The July meeting at Kruger National Park concentrated on the care economy – recognizing, reducing, and redistributing care work.
• Private Sector Engagement: UN Women supported a groundbreaking Private Sector Breakfast in May, bringing together corporate leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to align business practices with G20 gender equality goals. Grounded in the Women's Empowerment Principles, this initiative moved beyond symbolic participation to actionable commitments.
• Disability Inclusion: Additionally, UN Women supported disability inclusion initiatives and the W20 inception meeting, demonstrating comprehensive engagement across all aspects of South Africa's gender equality agenda.

What does success look like for gender equality in the G20?

Success in 2025 means moving beyond rhetoric to gender-transformative policies with robust accountability mechanisms. It requires recognizing gender as intersectional, addressing the diverse experiences of all women and gender-diverse individuals across lines of race, class, disability, and age. At the current pace, it will take over 123 years to close gender gaps globally. The G20 has the power to change this trajectory, but only if gender equality becomes a lived reality, not just a shared goal.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.