New Minister of Electricity appointed by Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Kgosientso Ramokgopa as the Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, a move aimed at resolving South Africa’s energy crisis. Ramokgopa brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as the head of investment and infrastructure in the Presidency, as well as the former Tshwane mayor and a member of the Gauteng executive committee.

Ramaphosa had announced his intention to appoint a Minister of Electricity within the Presidency during his State of the Nation Address on 9 February 2023. He stated that the new minister would work full-time on ending load-shedding and ensuring the implementation of the Energy Action Plan without delay. The appointment is expected to bring renewed focus and impetus to the government’s efforts to address the electricity crisis in South Africa.

Here are the key points from the announcement:

  • Dr Kgosientso Ramokgopa has been appointed as the Minister in the Presidency for Electricity.
  • Ramaphosa had previously announced his intention to appoint a Minister of Electricity within the Presidency during his State of the Nation Address on 9 February 2023.
  • Ramokgopa’s appointment is expected to bring renewed focus and impetus to the government’s efforts to address the electricity crisis in South Africa.
  • The new electricity minister will focus full-time on ending load-shedding and ensuring the implementation of the Energy Action Plan without delay.
  • The minister will work with the Eskom board and management.
  • There will be a clear separation of powers between the Minister of Electricity and the Minister of Public Enterprises.
  • The Minister of Public Enterprises remains responsible for steering the restructuring of Eskom, ensuring the establishment of the transmission company, overseeing the implementation of the just energy transition programme, and overseeing the establishment of the SOE Holding Company.
  • The new minister will remain in office for as long as it takes to end load-shedding.
  • Ramaphosa described the new ministry as transitory and focused on resolving the energy crisis in a hands-on manner.