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Ramaphosa gives Ramokgopa more powers, but Mantashe also gets to keep some
The electricity minister will work full-time with Eskom to end load shedding.
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. Picture: Gallo Images / Beeld / Lisa Hnatowicz
President Cyril Ramaphosa has finally given Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa more powers in order to tackle load shedding, three months after his appointment.
In a statement on Friday, the Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa has transferred electricity generation powers from Minerals and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe to Ramokgopa in line with the Constitution.
“The president has also transferred the powers and functions set out in Section 34(2) of the Electricity Regulation Act,” the Presidency said.
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This means Ramokgopa may determine the new generation capacity that was needed to ensure the continued uninterrupted supply of electricity, but only in consultation with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).
According to the Electricity Regulation Act, the minister may also determine the types of energy sources from which electricity must be generated, and the percentages of electricity that must be generated from such sources.
“This proclamation will provide the minister of electricity with the powers necessary to direct the procurement of new generation capacity and ensure security of supply.”
Mantashe spared some powers
However, other powers and functions stipulated in the act will remain with Mantashe, including those related to the implementation of determinations.
“The president’s delineation of powers and functions is directed at ensuring effective coordination and dedicated focus to deal more effectively and urgently with the electricity crisis.”
READ MORE: Load shedding: SA unlikely to experience complete blackout, says Ramokgopa
Ramokgopa will work full-time with the Eskom board and management to end load shedding and ensure that the Energy Action Plan announced by the president last year was successfully carried out.
The minister will further oversee all aspects of the electricity crisis response, including the work of the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECC).
“This will provide a single point of command for government’s efforts to close the shortfall in electricity supply,” the Presidency added.
Ad hoc committee rejected
The announcement comes a day after a draft resolution tabled by Democratic Alliance (DA) for the establishment of an ad hoc committee to oversee Electricity Ministry was rejected by Parliament.
The African National Congress (ANC) used its majority in the National Assembly to vote against the DA’s proposal on Thursday evening.
The motion had been debated earlier this month, where an ANC MP criticised the opposition for their tendency to frequently call for ad hoc committees.
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Some political parties have questioned whether there were adequate measures in place for Ramokgopa to account to the National Assembly following the Rules Committee’s decision not to appoint a Portfolio Committee to conduct oversight on the Electricity Ministry.
Ramokgopa’s department does not have its own budget and will rather draw its funds from the Presidency.
There was also no parliamentary committee overseeing the Presidency.
Load shedding
Meanwhile, Eskom has announced that load shedding will be reduced to stage 5 and will be implemented at 4pm on Friday.
The power utility indicated that varying stages of load shedding will be in place over the weekend.
“Breakdowns are currently at 17 392MW of generating capacity, while the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 2 940MW,” Eskom said in a statement.
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“Over the past 24 hours, a generating unit each at Grootvlei, Hendrina and Kriel power stations were returned to service.
“In the same period, a generation unit each at Camden and two generating units at Arnot power stations were taken out of service duo to breakdowns. Furthermore, the delay in returning units to service at Arnot, Camden, Hendrina, Kendal, Matimba, Matla and Tutuka power stations continue to add to the current capacity constraints.”
