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Friday, 28 February 2025: Eskom confirms that loadshedding remains suspended, supported by a stable power system and emergency reserves. We are also on track to replenish the emergency reserves in preparation for the next business week. The generation capacity in the system remains constrained as Eskom continues to maintain high levels of maintenance, averaging 7...
Cabinet welcomes progress on Eskom recovery efforts
Cabinet has welcomed an update on Eskom’s ongoing efforts to restore stability to the country’s national power supply, including additional capacity to the grid.
This follows unforeseen incidents at multiple power stations that led to the implementation of load shedding that began at the weekend.
Addressing a post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni explained that the highly unusual and unrelated incidents at the weekend resulted in a rapid depletion of reserve margins.
They included an electrical fault at Majuba power station, the loss of cooling water pumps at Camden power station and unit loss at Medupi power station.
“Cabinet noted that the upcoming addition of 1 600 megawatts with the synchronisation of Kusile Unit 6 scheduled for 9 March 2025 and Medupi Unit 4 at the end of March 2025 will further bolster our nation’s energy supply,” Ntshavheni said.
Cabinet also acknowledged the swift response by Eskom’s technical team to recover 4 800 MW with four of the five tripped units at Majuba having returned to the grid and two of four tripped units returned at Camden by 8pm on Sunday.
Despite the setback, Cabinet has noted that steady progress has been made in improving generation capacity and maintaining a reliable electricity supply.
From 1 April 2024 to 20 February 2025, load-shedding was suspended for 323 days, compared to 32 days in the same period last year. Electricity supply was available 99% of the time compared to just 9.8% last year.
Eskom suspended load shedding on Wednesday morning.
READ | Eskom suspends load shedding
“We maintain our guidance that load shedding is largely behind us due to structural improvements in the generation fleet. Our focus remains on eliminating load shedding as a structural constraint on the economy.
“There will be valuable lessons to be learned from the set of multiple unit trips that were unconnected and purely technical in nature related to electrical and control system issues within auxiliary parts of our power stations,” said the utility’s Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane said in a statement at the time.– SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 02/27/2025 - 13:28
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Wednesday, 26 February 2025: Eskom is pleased to announce that loadshedding will be suspended today at 5:00 AM, following the recovery of generation capacity and the replenishment of emergency reserves. “We maintain our guidance that loadshedding is largely behind us due to structural improvements in the generation fleet. Our focus remains on eliminating loadshedding as...
Plans underway to ensure service delivery in the Free State
Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae says plans are underway to ensure that municipalities in the province can deliver basic services such as water, electricity, and refuse collection to the people.
Delivering the State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Friday, Letsoha-Mathae said that work to improve the state of the province’s municipalities is continuing.
“We are deeply concerned about the state of some of our municipalities. Their failure to provide services such as water, electricity and refuse removal is worrying. Water treatment plants are not maintained. Electricity infrastructure is collapsing. Taps are dry. Streets are littered with garbage.
“Work to improve the state of our municipalities is continuing. We want to get the basics right and improve service delivery to our people,” she said.
She added that the professionalisation of local government was ongoing and that the seventh administration continues to assist municipalities with the implementation of the Municipal Staff Regulations meant to create a development-oriented local government.
“We are also supporting municipalities with the development of municipal staff establishments that are fit for purpose, review of competency assessments, and remuneration framework for senior managers.
“Section 56 Managers are now permanently appointed in compliance with the Municipal Systems Amendment Act of 2022. Deployment of competent managers and technical officials to municipalities to enhance service delivery is also continuing.”
Letsoha-Mathae said the provincial authorities and municipal officials met with the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa last week to ensure that all municipalities can meet their financial obligations to Eskom.
“Ten municipalities in our province are participating in the Eskom Debt Relief Programme meant to help them settle their current accounts. We continue to provide support to these municipalities to ensure compliance and financial discipline in their engagements with Eskom.
“We commit to meet our electricity, water, services and property rates obligations to municipalities to lessen their dire financial state. Payment plans will be developed and adhered to. We will lead by example,” she explained.
The province has also been battling water challenges, however, the Premier announced that the Department of Water and Sanitation has committed to giving the provincial government R1.4 billion to deal with water and sanitation issues.
This amount is meant to improve water supply and quality and upgrade water and wastewater treatment works throughout the province.
Housing
Meanwhile, the Premier committed that there shall be housing, security and comfort for all as the provincial government drives integration to bring people closer to areas of opportunities.
“We will complete the upgrade of G-Hostel in Welkom, and Dark and Silver City Development in Bloemfontein in the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. Conversion and development of hostels into family units is our way of saying our people deserve better.
“We will also upgrade 34 informal settlements by the end of cycle to ensure access to basic services and security for thousands of residents,” she said.
This financial year, the province had planned to service 3 652 sites in informal settlements and greenfields. She announced that this target has been surpassed with 6 878 sites having been serviced.
She added that this year, contractors will be invited through a competitive bidding process to complete historically incomplete houses throughout the province.
“In improving the living conditions of our people in rural areas, we will eradicate mud houses and replace them with proper housing structures in [the]Thabo Mofutsanyana District and Mangaung Metro. We also commit to delivering government-subsidised housing across various types to meet the diverse needs of our communities,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 02/25/2025 - 14:31
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Load shedding suspension remains on the horizon
Repairs at Eskom’s Majuba power station in Mpumalanga has placed the country closer to the suspension of load shedding, Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the Minister reassured South Africans that the implementation of load shedding at the weekend was not due to sabotage, but technical issues.
“We are going to have a review later this evening and then we can make an announcement, a promise we make, is a promise we will keep,” Ramokgopa said at an engagement held in Johannesburg.
The Minister explained that despite 300 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply, recent setbacks occurred, including the loss of five generation units at Majuba and four units at Camden power stations.
He added that the setback experienced at the weekend where the power utility implemented Stages 3 and 6 of load shedding were regrettable.
“The setbacks we experienced are regrettable, but we are now able to bounce back, we are coming back much faster than we thought. It is important that we have the lights on for the South African economy,” the Minister said.
Ramokgopa’s comments come as Eskom is currently implementing Stage 2 load shedding from Monday’s Stage 4.
At a briefing on Sunday, the Minister assured the nation that the country will overcome the current bout of load shedding by the end of the week.
READ | Load shedding expected to be suspended by the end of the week
“I'm confident that by the end of the week, we should be out of this difficult situation. We are confident we're going to go to conditions of normality. By the end of the week there will not be [any] load shedding,” he said at the time. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 02/25/2025 - 14:38
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End of load shedding remains within reach
The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is confident that the end of load shedding in South Africa is within reach.
Briefing the media on Sunday following an implementation of Stage 6 load shedding, Ramokgopa assured the nation that government and Eskom are making long-term decisions in the best interest of the country's power grid and economy.
“At all material points, we will never make expedient decisions at the cost of the grid, because the consequences will be too ghastly to contemplate. That is why it is important that to the degree that we need to initiate load shedding, understanding fully well that is going to deliver a message of an entity and a ministry that essentially is dropping the ball.
“But we are making the point that we will not make expedient decisions. We'll make decisions that are in the interest of the of the grid and in the long term, in the interest of the South African economy,” the Minister explained.
The Minister further reassured the public that there is significant progress in stabilising the electricity supply.
“And I give you the assurance, that point I always make consistently, the end of load shedding is within touching distance,” he said.
New capacity
The Minister highlighted key developments in Eskom's recovery plan, including the synchronisation of Kusile Unit 6, initially expected by the end of February but now scheduled for 9 March.
Medupi Unit 4 is expected at the end of March or early April. These additions will bring 1,600 megawatts to the grid.
"Of course, the Medupi one is what we lost; we are recovering that. The Kusile unit, however, is entirely new capacity. I'm confident that we are moving in the right direction.
“I want to say to the rest of the country, you are going through pain, we understand your anger, we feel your pain, we can hear your cries. We will resolve this problem,” Ramokgopa said.
READ | Load shedding expected to be suspended by the end of the week
Staying the course
Ramokgopa emphasised that government remains committed to the generation recovery plan, which he said is yielding positive results despite occasional setbacks.
“We're staying the course in relation to the generation recovery plan, because that generation recovery plan is giving us the results that we desire. We have accepted that there are going to be setbacks.
He explained that the ongoing maintenance work is a critical part of ensuring that when the government ultimately declares load shedding a thing of the past, it does so with confidence.
“But as I’ve said consistently, when I stood before the nation to give an update on the grid’s performance, I made the point [that there will be] short-term pain, [and] long-term gain. We cannot postpone the maintenance of these assets.
“That’s why we are able to allocate the capital received from National Treasury to ensure that we carry out the necessary maintenance so that when we stand before you … that load shedding is behind us I'm able to speak with a degree of confidence. That is why I have not been able to make that absolute statement, because we have accepted that there are inherent risk in relation to the strategy that we have taken,” he explained.
In response to concerns about Eskom’s operational decisions, Ramokgopa dismissed any suggestions of underhanded dealings, reiterating that all efforts are aimed at long-term sustainability.
"We're not going to do shortcuts in relation to our obligations to the environment. We are committed to ensuring that South Africa’s energy supply is both stable and sustainable. As part of this journey to ensure that we eliminate load shedding, we're going to ensure that we keep to our obligations in relation to the environment,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 02/23/2025 - 15:50
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Load shedding expected to be suspended by the end of the week
The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has assured South Africans that the country will overcome the current bout of load shedding crisis by the end of the week.
The Minister along with Eskom executives were briefing the media on Sunday to provide an update on the status of South Africa’s electricity generation performance.
The briefing follows an announcement by Eskom that it had implemented Stage 6 load shedding as of 1:30 am on Sunday.
“I'm confident that by the end of the week, we should be out of this difficult situation. We are confident we're going to go to conditions of normality. By the end of the week there will not be [any] load shedding. We would have gone through this wave and of course, we want the country to get accustomed to being normal.
“And in fact, something called load shedding should be considered extremely abnormal,” Ramokgopa said.
READ | Electricity Minister and Eskom to provide power update
The Minister explained that despite 300 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply, recent setbacks occurred, including the loss of five generation units at Majuba and four units at Camden power stations.
Eskom CEO Dan Marokane said out of the 10 units lost overnight, six were back online.
“We have five to six units that are planned to come back in operation during the course of today and we will take stock just after 8 o’clock in the evening, after the evening peak. Our teams are very focused on returning these units,” Marokane told media at the briefing in Pretoria.
He said the loss of multiple units at the Majuba power station was occasioned by an overload on a transformer.
Marokane said when they checked the situation at Majuba on Saturday, it coincided with the trip to Medupi power station which had to do with the underfrequency in the network.
At Majuba, five units were lost but were brought two back online by 6am on Sunday, as well as one at Camden. The power utility would proceed to bring the rest of the units back into operation.
“Essentially, what really pushed us into the position that we found ourselves [in] having to initiate load shedding at very short notice yesterday at 5:30 pm was the loss of multiple units at Majuba power station.
“This was occasioned by initially an overload on a transformer as a result of the startup of a unit that was coming out of a long-term outage and that essentially started the domino effect of reticulation supply cutting to the rest of the units. And one by one, those units gave in,” he explained.
He added that “we have understood the exact nature of how the event came about, and we are able to isolate it overnight and start addressing it.”
“Of course, in the coming week, we will be diving deeper into ensuring that, from a system design perspective, we are able to contain such occurrences going forth. And we'll also assess where else the rest may be lying in our fleet,” the CEO said.
Apology
Meanwhile, the Minister apologised for the recent setback and explained the efforts to address the load shedding issue.
“Let me also say at the onset that I want on behalf of government, and the leadership of Eskom, to express our regret and convey our apology to the rest of the country. The fact that we are experiencing load shedding and secondly, that we are experiencing the intensity of load shedding that we haven’t experienced in a long time.
“The levels of agitation, levels of anger and disappointment are understood because we are really on a journey to ensure that indeed ultimately, we are able to eradicate load shedding.”
He said that the setback was regrettable as was the one that occurred earlier this month.
The Minister explained that it was important to share how the country got to Stage 6 load shedding.
First, he explained that his department and Eskom are guided by the Energy Action Plan that the President outlined in July 2022, of which one of its outcomes is to fix Eskom.
The Minister emphasised that there was no sabotage involved on the basis of evidence in their disposal.
"I want to say to the rest of the country; the evidence that is before us is that this is a technical issue. I am making this point because we must not find any reasons to manufacture explanations of why we are at Stage 6 and point fingers somewhere else,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 02/23/2025 - 15:06
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Government remains committed to preserving local industries
Government is committed to preserving local industries and safeguarding employment opportunities, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said.
This as government acknowledged the concerns raised by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) on the impact of ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (AMSA) decision to wind down its long steel business.
“We recognise the significance of this matter for workers, the broader steel industry, and the economy,” said the department in a statement on Saturday.
This as NUMSA staged a picket outside the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) to voice their demands on Friday.
“The Minister is awaiting the memorandum to be presented by the board regarding these demands. Once received, the Minister will consider the issues raised and respond appropriately.
“The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the dtic) remains committed to engaging all stakeholders, including AMSA, organised labour, and industry partners, to find sustainable solutions. We continue to explore all possible avenues to avert job losses, support affected workers and ensure the resilience of South Africa’s steel sector,” said the department.
The dtic urged all parties to engage constructively “as we work towards interventions that protect industrial capacity while securing long-term economic stability.”
“The government remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving local industries and safeguarding employment opportunities,” said the department.
In January, the dtic said the steel industry is critical in the reconstruction and recovery plan for the South African economy, particularly the manufacturing, mining, construction, engineering, and transportation sectors.
This as AMSA announced that it was winding down its longs steel business at its Newcastle plant.
“The department notes with serious concern the announcement by ArcelorMittal South Africa to wind down its longs steel business at its Newcastle plant. In fulfilment of its mandate to work with the private sector in growing the local economy the dtic remains committed to working with AMSA to find a workable and lasting situation,” the department said in a statement at the time.
During the course of 2024, AMSA had reached out to various government departments and state-owned entities with requests for different concessions for their business. Having taken heed of these requests, the Minister of the dtic took the decision to form a comprehensive and coordinated approach to resolving the issues raised by AMSA.
READ | DTIC notes ArcelorMittal South Africa’s decision
The Minister set up a technical working group made up of the relevant stakeholders including the dtic and AMSA, the Departments of Electricity and Energy, Transport, as well as Eskom, Transnet and private sector stakeholders. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 02/23/2025 - 12:02
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Electricity Minister and Eskom to provide power update
The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Eskom will provide an update on the status of South Africa’s electricity generation performance at a briefing this morning.
Sunday’s briefing follows an announcement by Eskom that it has implemented Stage 6 load shedding.
“Eskom regrets to announce that Stage 6 load shedding was implemented at 1:30am due to multiple unit trips at Camden Power Station and will continue until further notice.
“This measure followed the implementation of Stage 3, necessitated by multiple unit trips at Majuba Power Station and a unit trip at Medupi that resulted in a loss of 3 864 MW in generation capacity, while planned maintenance accounted for 7 506 MW,” the power utility said in social media post.
In Sunday’s social media post on X, Eskom said Stage 6 load shedding was necessary to “replenish emergency reserves and prepare for the week ahead.”
On Saturday, the power utility implemented Stage 3 load shedding.
“Following over 20 days of uninterrupted electricity supply, Eskom has encountered another temporary setback. As a result, Stage 3 load shedding will be implemented from today at 17:30 until further notice,” it said at the time.
The briefing in Pretoria is expected to start at 11 am. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 02/23/2025 - 09:32
101 views
Friday, 21 February 2025: Eskom confirms that loadshedding remains suspended, supported by a stable power system and adequate emergency reserves. This progress underscores the success of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan in improving generation capacity and maintaining a reliable electricity supply. From 1 April 2024 to 20 February 2025, loadshedding was suspended for 323 days...
Eskom cracks down on attacks against field employees
Eskom says it is collaborating with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Energy Safety and Security Priority Committee to crack down on violent crimes against its employees – particularly those based in the Eastern Cape.
The energy utility described a “rising wave” of attacks against its employees in that province and warned that rising violence is compromising its ability to service those areas.
“Despite an initial decline earlier in the financial year, these attacks have surged since October 2024, posing significant risks to both personnel and service delivery operations, particularly in the Eastern Cape
“Eskom is committed to enhancing security measures but will cease operations in areas where employee safety is compromised. Protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the well-being of its employees is an urgent priority,” Eskom said.
The energy company revealed that at least 14 armed robberies and five car hijackings had been perpetrated against its employees since the beginning of the 2024/25 financial year.
“One of the most alarming incidents occurred on 4 January 2025 along the N2 at Tsolo Junction, where an Eskom employee was shot and robbed of personal belongings during a car hijacking. Electrification sites and commuting employees remain particularly vulnerable, with most attacks concentrated in Mbodlana Village, uMthatha, Port St Johns, and Tsolo.
“Criminals are employing extreme violence, using firearms, hijacking company and personal vehicles, coercing employees into transferring cash, and even restraining them. These threats place Eskom personnel at severe risk of injury or loss of life while carrying out essential duties,” Eskom said.
The power utility said continued attacks “extend beyond individual safety concerns”.
“They contribute to the deterioration of public infrastructure, jeopardise energy security, disrupt electricity supply, result in financial losses, and create an unsafe work environment.
“Eskom strongly condemns these violent acts and continues to work diligently with NATJOINTS to curb the crisis. However, should the situation persist, Eskom may be forced to withdraw its technicians from high-risk areas.
“This would inevitably lead to prolonged power outages and service disruptions, negatively affecting communities and businesses. The safety of Eskom employees is non-negotiable,” Eskom said.
Community members are urged to report any information they may have on these attacks to contact the Eskom Crime Line on 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Thu, 02/20/2025 - 16:11
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Wednesday, 19 February 2025: Eskom is working closely with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Energy Safety & Security Priority Committee to address the rising wave of violent crimes targeting its employees. Despite an initial decline earlier in the financial year, these attacks have surged since October 2024, posing significant risks to both...
Hundreds marched in Cape Town ahead of budget announcement
Minister Ramokgopa engages Free State on electricity challenges
Electricity challenges the development of interventions on municipal management will come to the fore at Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa’s engagement with the Free State provincial government and local municipalities today.
Monday’s meeting outcomes amongst others will develop strategies that will ensure that municipalities are able to meet their obligations to Eskom, thereby ensuring reliable electricity supply for their respective municipalities.
Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae and the Minister will lead an intergovernmental intervention team with all Municipalities in the province.
“The seventh administration’s commitment towards a functional local government that’s able to meet its obligation is displayed by the approach taken by the three spheres of government.
“Majority of our municipalities have been put under section 139 intervention of the Constitution in the stead of the Provincial Executive. This stems from historical municipalities debts of both arrears and current accounts to pay Eskom for electricity distribution,” the provincial government said.
The municipalities inability to collect revenue from debtors and maintain sustainable credit control has been influenced by a myriad of reasons which the intergovernmental dialogue will be vested with among many other areas of concern.
“Over the years the situation has worsened and had adverse effect on service delivery within the communities, impacting on operations of corporates, small businesses within those municipalities.
“The situation needs an integrated approach which will ensure a sustainable intervention plan looking at medium to long term solutions, some of these plans might require financial reconfiguration, particularly given the country’s ongoing fiscal consolidation efforts,” the provincial government said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 02/17/2025 - 09:26
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Power system continues to be stable with loadshedding suspended and R17.57 billion in year-on-year diesel savings delivered. Friday, 14 February 2025: Eskom confirms that loadshedding remains suspended. The system is stable and has sufficient emergency reserves. From 1 April 2024 to 14 February 2025, loadshedding was suspended for 317 days (7 643 hours), compared to...
Friday, 14 February 2025: Eskom welcomes the briefing by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on the investigations conducted into the affairs of Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) on Wednesday, 12 February 2025 to increase understanding of the scale of the challenges and the action being taken to address...
Government to unveil energy investment instrument
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says the department has designed a private sector investment instrument to mobilise resources for modernising South Africa’s energy infrastructure.
The minister made the remarks during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) debate, held in Cape Town, on Wednesday.
“We have designed an instrument. We will be introducing that instrument to the country in the next five weeks and we are going to use that instrument as a template. We’ll take it to Transnet…we’ll take it to all [State Owned Enterprises]. So that we are able to drive infrastructure [investment] forward,” he said.
Over the next ten years, South Africa requires approximately R450 billion to expand transmission lines by some 14 000 km.
Ramokgopa pointed out that government will not be able to bear the financial burden on its own.
“We make the point that the state sovereign balance sheet is weak, the Eskom balance sheet has been eroded, [and] we need to design instruments that help us to ensure that there is accelerated private sector investment,” he said.
Another area where the government aims to increase output is in freight logistics.
“We’ve got a baseline of 149 million tonnes per annum and our target for the year is 170 million tonnes and by 2030 we want to reach 250 million tonnes.
“We have decided that we want to target specific corridors. The Northern Cape Saldanha corridor which carries iron ore and manganese, the northern corridor which carries coal and chrome, the Gauteng-Durban corridor which carries automotive and general freight,” he said.
The transformation project
Turning to geopolitical issues arising from the promulgation of the Expropriation Act, Ramokgopa emphasised that government will press ahead with policies aimed at transforming the country.
“We are determined to protect the gains of the democratic project. We will go and explain ourselves to our allies and articulate the vision of a South Africa that we want; that the transformation project is indeed irreversible.
“We are on the correct path…we will not be bullied,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 02/13/2025 - 11:15
Tuesday, 11 February 2025: With more and more solar systems pushing energy onto the grid, the safety of the grid has become a critical focus for both performance and the safety of staff working on it. Eskom remains committed to the seamless integration of Small-Scale Embedded Generators (SSEG) into its network while ensuring adherence to...
TNPA signs milestone agreements
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has achieved a key milestone in the development of the South Dunes Precinct at the Port of Richards Bay by signing two major Terminal Operator Agreements (TOA).
The first agreement for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has been signed with Zululand Energy Terminal, while the other agreement is signed with FFS Tank Terminals.
The agreements represent a leap forward in advancing South Africa’s energy and maritime sectors, underscoring TNPA’s strategic objectives to foster sustainable development and investment in critical infrastructure.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at South Pier in the South Dunes Precinct at Port of Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, Andile Sangqu, Transnet Board chairperson, said the agreements signify Transnet’s commitment to support South Africa’s crucial pathway to economic growth and industrialisation through energy transformation and enhanced energy security.
“They represent a dual achievement, the introduction of a pioneering LNG import facility and the enhancement of our liquid bulk capacity through the redevelopment of FFS Tank Terminals,” Sagqu said.
Sangqu said the LNG terminal is a critical response to the nation’s energy challenges.
“Overall, the TNPA LNG project is aligned with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) plans to deliver 6 000 MW of Gas-to-Power in South Africa.
“This 6 000 MW is split into 3 000 MW as per Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and 3 000 MW for Eskom new generation in the UMhlathuze region.
“By enabling the importation of Liquefied Natural Gas, we are promoting the development of sustainable source of energy to meet limited and depleting gas supplies,” he said.
Sangqu said the initiative positions Transnet as a key player in South Africa’s nascent LNG market.
Sangqu said with the LNG Import Terminal expected to generate approximately 1 000 jobs and additional opportunities emerging during the construction of berth 207 and the necessary pipeline infrastructure, they are committed to building a sustainable workforce for the future.
In his remarks, Tshokolo Nchocho, TNPA Board Chairperson, said the agreements mark significant progress in advancing the country's energy security, economic growth and the transformation of our port infrastructure.
“The establishment of South Africa’s first LNG Import Terminal represents a strategic response to our nation’s energy challenges,” Nchocho said.
Nchocho said the establishment of South Africa’s first LNG Import Terminal represents a strategic response to the nation’s energy challenges.
“By securing a stable and diversified energy supply, we are ensuring that our industries and communities have the power they need to thrive.
“By modernising existing infrastructure, this project not only enhances maritime fuel services but also plays a critical role in supporting global shipping operations, ensuring efficiency and competitiveness in an evolving energy landscape,” he said.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli hailed the signing of the two multibillion rand Terminal Operator Agreements (TOA), saying they will advance South Africa’s energy and maritime sectors and help grow the country’s economy and spur the creation of much-needed jobs.
“As detailed by Transnet already, this is a significant milestone in the development of the South Dunes Precinct at the Port of Richards Bay and is set to support the Gas-to-Power Programme of South Africa,” Ntuli said.
Ntuli said the signing ceremony aligns quite solidly with the DMRE’s Strategic Plan (2020-25) that charts ambitions to become a country that is not only energy secure, but one that is unrolling a decarbonisation strategy, as the country steadily transitions towards cleaner energy sources.
“Natural gas is becoming increasingly accepted as a viable alternative or transitional source of power which although not a renewable, is far cleaner and less expensive in capital cost than coal which currently supports our base load,” Ntuli said.
Ntuli said the country has learnt that gas can negate pollution output from other fossil fuel sources and at the same time, halve the carbon emissions.
“These two agreements are welcomed, as they are the fruit born out of the Zululand Energy Terminal (ZET), a strategic partnership between Vopak Terminal Durban (PTY) Ltd and Transnet Pipelines to develop, construct and operate a new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal in Richards Bay,” the Premier said.
Ntuli said one of the most pleasing aspects of the agreement is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, while also fostering skills development and driving transformation in the maritime and energy sectors.
“In this regard, the projects are expected to generate approximately 1 000 jobs, with additional opportunities created during the construction of berth 207 and pipelines,” he said.
Acting TNPA Chief Executive, Phyllis Difeto, said this milestone underscores the commitment to transforming the country’s logistics sector and being responsive to national energy goals.
Difeto said collectively, the projects contribute to the economic resilience of the uMhlathuze region, with significant job creation in construction, operations and port-related industries.
“These initiatives highlight our commitment to transformation and workforce empowerment,” she said.
The signing of the agreements aligns with Transnet’s strategic pursuit of partnerships with the private sector and signifies a leap towards delivering Transnet's objectives to align its freight logistics business with key commodities of the South African economy.
On 15 December 2022, TNPA issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to secure a terminal operator for the development of a LNG terminal in the South Dunes Precinct.
Following a thorough evaluation process in compliance with Section 56 of the National Ports Act (Act No. 12 of 2005), Zululand Energy Terminals was appointed as the preferred bidder.
The project involves the design, development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of the LNG terminal over a 25-year concession period.
The initiative supports the Gas to Power Programme of South Africa, aligning with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s Strategic Plan (2020-25) to enhance energy security and transition to cleaner energy sources.
TNPA has also finalised a 25-year concession TOA with FFS Tank Terminals for the development and operation of a liquid bulk terminal specialising in bunker fuels at the Port of Richards Bay.
The facility, located at the former Engen bunker terminal, will focus on enhancing the port’s capacity for handling liquid bulk and fostering economic growth.
TNPA is responsible for the safe, effective, and efficient economic functioning of the national port system, which it manages in a landlord capacity.
It provides port infrastructure and marine services at the eight commercial seaports in South Africa in the cities of Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay and Ngqura. It operates within a legislative and regulatory environment and is governed by the National Ports Act (Act No. 12 of 2005).
The development of these two terminals is a game changer in the economic landscape of the region.
The LNG terminal alone is projected to create over 1,000 job opportunities during construction, operations including downstream business for communities surrounding the uMhlathuze region, while the bunkering services terminal aims to generate around 50 direct and indirect jobs from the project initiation phase. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 02/10/2025 - 14:48
Friday, 07 February 2025: Eskom confirms that loadshedding remains suspended. The system is stabilised and emergency reserves are fully replenished. Kusile Unit 3 has returned to service after being offline for reconnection to the repaired Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) system and main stack, as authorised by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)....
Government puts shoulder to the wheel to build a thriving economy
Growing the economy and job creation are at the top of the seventh administration’s agenda, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday.
“We want a nation with a thriving economy that benefits all. To create this virtuous cycle of investment, growth and jobs, we must lift economic growth to above three percent,” the President said, as he delivered the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Cape Town.
In the first SONA of the seventh administration, the President said government has adopted the Medium-Term Development Plan, which sets out a clear and ambitious programme for the next five years.
The actions contained in the plan advance three strategic priorities: driving inclusive growth and job creation; reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living as well as building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
“To achieve higher levels of economic growth, we are undertaking massive investment in new infrastructure while upgrading and maintaining the infrastructure we have.
“We are engaging local and international financial institutions and investors to unlock R 100 billion in infrastructure financing. A project preparation bid window has been launched to fast-track investment readiness.
“This includes revised regulations for public private partnerships, which will unlock private sector expertise and funds,” the President explained.
Focus on infrastructure
Over the next three years, government will spend more than R940 billion on infrastructure. This includes R375 billion in spending by state owned companies.
“This funding will revitalise our roads and bridges, build dams and waterways, modernise our ports and airports and power our economy. Through the Infrastructure Fund, 12 blended finance projects worth nearly R38 billion have been approved in the last year.
The aim of the Infrastructure Fund is to use committed government funding to leverage much higher levels of private sector investment in public infrastructure. Managed by Infrastructure South Africa, the fund is a portfolio of blended finance projects and programmes.
“These are projects in water and sanitation, student accommodation, transport, health and energy. Construction of the Mtentu Bridge continues. This bridge will rise above the river between Port Edward and Lusikisiki, and will become the tallest bridge in Africa,” the President said.
The Polihlali Dam will feed 490 million cubic metres of water a year from the Lesotho Highlands into the Vaal River System, securing water supply to several provinces for years to come.
In addition, government is working with international partners to revitalises small harbours and unlock economic opportunities for coastal communities.
“We are steadily removing the obstacles to meaningful and faster growth,” he said.
Operation Vulindlela
As government continues to implement economic reforms through Operation Vulindlela, the President said a new sense of optimism and confidence in the economy has been created.
“We have made progress in rebuilding and restructuring a number of our network industries. We are seeing positive results in the improvement of the functioning of our network industries as well as the investment opportunities that are opening up and are being taken by investors leading to job creation.
“Working together with business, labour and other social partners we must now finish this work. Over the coming year, we will initiate a second wave of reform to unleash more rapid and inclusive growth,” the President said.
Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery.
The initiative aims to modernise and transform network industries, including electricity, water, transport and digital communications.
“Our immediate focus is to enable Eskom, Transnet and other state-owned enterprises that are vital to our economy to function optimally.
“We are repositioning these entities to provide world-class infrastructure while enabling competition in operations, whether in electricity generation, freight rail or port terminals.
“We continue with the fundamental reform of our state-owned enterprises to ensure that they can effectively fulfil their social and economic mandates."
READ | New wave of reforms to propel SA economy
This includes the work underway to put in place a new model to strengthen governance and oversight of public entities.
“We will ensure public ownership of strategic infrastructure for public benefit while finding innovative ways to attract private investment to improve services and ensure public revenue can be focused on the provision of public services,” the President said.
Meanwhile, government is in the process of establishing a dedicated State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) Reform Unit to coordinate this work.
Energy Action Plan
“The measures we have implemented through the Energy Action Plan have reduced the severity and frequency of load shedding, with more than 300 days without load shedding since March 2024.
“While the return of load shedding for two days last week was a reminder that our energy supply is still constrained, we remain on a positive trajectory.
“We now need to put the risk of load shedding behind us once and for all by completing the reform of our energy system to ensure long-term energy security.”
The President said the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, which came into effect on 1 January, marks the beginning of a new era.
READ | President Ramaphosa signs Electricity Regulation Amendment Act into law
The act sets out far-reaching reforms of the country’s electricity sector, including the establishment of a competitive electricity market.
“This year, we will put in place the building blocks of a competitive electricity market. Over time, this will allow multiple electricity generation entities to emerge and compete.
“We will mobilise private sector investment in our transmission network to connect more renewable energy to the grid,” Ramaphosa said.
Rail network
The President said Transnet’s performance has stabilised and is steadily improving.
“We released a Network Statement in December 2024 which, for the first time, will enable private rail operators to access the freight rail system
“Open access to the rail network will allow train operating companies to increase the volume of goods transported by rail, while our network infrastructure remains state owned,” the President said.
This will ensure that South African minerals, vehicles and agricultural produce reach international markets, securing jobs and earning much needed revenue for the fiscus.
New cranes and other port equipment are being commissioned to speed up the loading and unloading of cargo and reduce waiting times for ships at ports. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 02/06/2025 - 21:22
Government to spend more than R940bn on infrastructure
Government will spend more than R940 billion on infrastructure over the next three years.
“We are engaging local and international financial institutions and investors to unlock R100 billion in infrastructure financing,” President Ramaphosa said on Thursday, while delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Cape Town.
The President said government is developing innovative ways of funding infrastructure in a bid to achieve higher levels of economic growth.
"We are undertaking massive investment in new infrastructure, while upgrading and maintaining the infrastructure we have."
President Ramaphosa said a project preparation bid window has been launched to fast track investment readiness.
“This includes revised regulations for public-private partnerships, which will unlock private sector expertise and funds. This includes R375 billion in spending by State-owned companies.
“This funding will revitalise our roads and bridges, build dams and waterways, modernise our ports and airports, and power our economy. Through the Infrastructure Fund, 12 blended finance projects - worth nearly R38 billion - have been approved in the last year."
President Ramaphosa said the construction of the Mtentu Bridge continues.
“This bridge will rise above the river between Port Edward and Lusikisiki, and will become the tallest bridge in Africa. Working with international partners, we are revitalising small harbours, unlocking economic opportunities for coastal communities.
“We are steadily removing the obstacles to meaningful and faster growth. The economic reforms that we are implementing through Operation Vulindlela have created a new sense of optimism and confidence in our economy.
“We have made progress in rebuilding and restructuring a number of our network industries. We are seeing positive results in the improvement of the functioning of our network industries, as well as the investment opportunities that are opening up and are being taken by investors, leading to job creation,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said over the coming year, government will initiate a second wave of reform to unleash more rapid and inclusive growth.
“Our immediate focus is to enable Eskom, Transnet and other State-owned enterprises that are vital to our economy to function optimally.
“We are repositioning these entities to provide world-class infrastructure, while enabling competition in operations, whether in electricity generation, freight rail or port terminals,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa has previously emphasised the seventh administration's commitment to expanding infrastructure investment, as a crucial part of driving economic growth and ensuring efficient service delivery. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 02/06/2025 - 22:14
New wave of reforms to propel SA economy
Over the next year, government will unleash a second wave of reforms aimed at unlocking the potential of South Africa’s economy.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who delivered the State of the Nation Address (SONA) – the first of the seventh administration – at the Cape Town City Hall, on Thursday evening.
“The [current] economic reforms that we are implementing through Operation Vulindlela have created a new sense of optimism and confidence in our economy. We have made progress in rebuilding and restructuring a number of our network industries.
“We are seeing positive results in the improvement of the functioning of our network industries as well as the investment opportunities that are opening up and are being taken by investors leading to job creation.
“Working together with business, labour and other social partners we must now finish this work. Over the coming year, we will initiate a second wave of reforms to unleash more rapid and inclusive growth,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President explained that the first point of focus for these reforms lies with state-owned enterprises (SOEs), particularly Eskom and Transnet, which he described as “vital to our economy to function optimally”.
To propel this work forward, a dedicated SOE Reform Unit is in the process of being established.
“We are repositioning these entities to provide world-class infrastructure while enabling competition in operations, whether in electricity generation, freight rail or port terminals.
“We continue with the fundamental reform of our state-owned enterprises to ensure that they can effectively fulfil their social and economic mandates. This includes the work underway to put in place a new model to strengthen governance and oversight of public entities,” President Ramaphosa explained.
Electricity reform
A key reform is in South Africa’s energy sector, with the implementation of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act which came into effect this year.
The President described this Amendment Act as the “beginning of a new era” that will unlock a competitive electricity market.
“We now need to put the risk of load shedding behind us once and for all by completing the reform of our energy system to ensure long-term energy security. The Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, which came into effect on the 1st of January, marks the beginning of a new era.
“This year, we will put in place the building blocks of a competitive electricity market. Over time, this will allow multiple electricity generation entities to emerge and compete. We will mobilise private sector investment in our transmission network to connect more renewable energy to the grid,” he said.
With the current and a new wave of reforms, the President said, “we are steadily removing the obstacles to meaningful and faster growth”. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 02/06/2025 - 20:58
Former State Security Minister granted R5 000 bail in corruption case
Former State Security Minister Bongani Bongo has been granted R5 000 bail, following his arrest for alleged corruption.
Bongo (47) made a brief appearance at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, after his arrest in the morning of the same day.
Bongo is accused of offering a bribe to evidence leader in Parliament’s Eskom inquiry, Ntuthuzelo Vanara, in 2017, and also contravening the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 (“PRECCA”).
He is being re-tried after he was acquitted by former Western Cape Judge President, John Hlophe, who dismissed the charges against Bong in 2021.
However, the matter went back to the court after Supreme Court of Appeal Judge John Smith, appealed the decision, and ordered that the matter be heard afresh, granting the retrial.
"It is reported that during September to October 2017, the accused approached a member of the then Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises to allegedly arrange a meeting to prevent the next sitting, where Eskom board was to account.
"Eventually, the suspect secured the meeting wherein he indicated that the Portfolio Committee sitting with the Eskom board cannot proceed as planned and indicated that was possible if the member named his price," National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya said on Tuesday.
Bongo is expected to reappear in court on 4 March 2025.
The accused, a former member of the National Assembly, was sworn in as a Member of the Executive and Cabinet, and the Minister of State Security, a position he occupied until 28 May 2024.
All MP’s are bound by the Code of Ethics, and all other ethical and other obligations and duties arising from the Constitution, the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, No. 4 of 2004, and the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 (“PRECCA”).
Lebeya vowed that the Directorate will continue to execute its mandate without fear, favour or prejudice.
He also commended the investigating team and encouraged the prosecution team to ensure the South African citizenry receive the deserved justice due to them. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 09:41