On Thursday afternoon, President Cyril Ramaphosa will lay out the ground work government plans to take in the revitalisation of Eskom.
Cyril Ramaphosa to detail plans for Eskom revival
The national power supplier has faced another year of rolling blackouts and financial losses, and from indications made by Eskom Group CEO Andre de Ruyter at a State of the System address earlier this month, the outlook does not promises a near end to loadshedding.
However, Ramaphosa will forge ahead at 14:00 on Thursday, when he addresses the National Assembly on the plans in place to transform South Africa’s energy industry which largely relies on coal power stations with legacy maintenance issues.
“On energy, the President will respond to questions relating to the economic impact of load shedding and South Africa’s approach to the R131 billion commitment by the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the European Union to support South Africa’s just transition to a lower carbon economy,” the Presidency noted in a statement.
In essence, much of the address may see Ramaphosa bellow about the prospect of investing heavily in low-emission energy alternatives.
This ‘energy transition’, the Presidency said, will also accommodate “workers and communities who depend on coal-fired power stations for their livelihoods.”
How to watch Ramaphosa address on Eskom live
Relative to the energy crisis, Ramaphosa will also spend some time reflecting on the outcomes of the 2021 local government elections and is expected to propose a way forward for local councils, some meddled in high-risk coalitions, to promote economic growth.
“The President will update Parliament on the work being undertaken by the Presidential Task Team on Military Veterans to address challenges faced by military veterans,” the Presidency revealed.
The president’s address will be broadcast on national news channels and Parliament’s YouTube page.