PHUTI MOSOMANE
PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has officially transferred all powers and functions contained in Section 34(1) of the Electricity Regulation Act to Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, which were previously entrusted to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy.
By virtue of Section 97 of the Constitution, Ramaphosa has signed a proclamation that transfers certain powers and functions, as entrusted by the Electricity Regulation Act (Act No 4 of 2006), to the Minister of Electricity.
During his 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ramaphosa expressed his intention to appoint a Minister of Electricity, recognizing the need for a coordinated government response to the electricity crisis as a national priority.
With this proclamation, Ramokgopa will have the necessary powers to oversee the procurement of new generation capacity and ensure the security of electricity supply.
Ramaphosa’s decision to transfer powers and functions to Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is expected to create a divide between Ramaphosa and Minerals Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe.
Under Section 34 of the Act, the Minister previously held the authority to determine the necessary new generation capacity to maintain a consistent and uninterrupted electricity supply. However, with this transfer, Ramokgopa now assumes the responsibility of determining the energy sources and the respective proportions from which electricity should be generated.
Furthermore, the Minister of Electricity is now empowered to facilitate private sector participation in the energy sector. This move signals the government’s intent to involve the private sector in addressing the ongoing electricity crisis.
Vincent Magwenya, the Presidency spokesperson, clarified that the President’s allocation of powers and functions aims to enhance coordination and prioritize efforts to tackle the electricity crisis more effectively and urgently.
In line with Ramaphosa’s SONA, the Minister of Electricity will assume responsibility for overseeing all aspects of the response to the electricity crisis, including the activities of the National Energy Crisis Committee.
According to Magwenya, the Minister will dedicate their full-time efforts to collaborate with the Eskom board and management, aiming to put an end to load-shedding and ensure the prompt implementation of the Energy Action Plan outlined by the President.
The notice released by the Presidency did not provide specific details about the working relationship between the Ministry of Electricity and Public Enterprises, which holds direct accountability over Eskom.
Insiders from both government and the ANC revealed to Inside Politics that Ramaphosa took his time with this decision in order to navigate and reconcile conflicting interests within the top seven ranks of the ANC.
INSIDE POLITICS
