Ramokgopa predicts a load shedding free winter
He expects the country's power plants to perform at the same capacity they did last winter, saying there's no reason for performance to regress.
READ: Nuclear energy to play key role in lessening SA's carbon footprint: Ramokgopa
Speaking on the sidelines of the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group meeting in Cape Town on Wednesday, Ramokgopa did not want to give too much away, saying he plans to provide a detailed winter outlook next week.
"When we went into winter last year, we didn't have Kusile Unit 6, so we didn't have that 800 MW. The second one is that we didn't have Medupi 4. We will have Medupi 4 by the end of May, which has been out for about four years, so it's another 800mw. And then we are going to have the benefits of both Koeberg units. We are anticipating that Koeberg Unit Number 1 is going to come back around in July or so."
Ramokgopa says that at the winter peak, the country will have an additional 2500mw of electricity it didn't have last winter.
While the energy availability factor was not at optimal levels last month [April], Ramokgopa says the problems have been isolated.
"One of the reasons we found is post-outage failure, so you take the unit out on planned maintenance, when it comes back, it still has a significant number of challenges. So that's something the team led by the executive Mr Bheki Nxumalo is addressing. So I really don't foresee that we are going to perform below what we did last year."
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Daily Maverick
16 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
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But unless systemic reforms are enacted, similar disputes may soon flare up in Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, eThekwini, Mangaung, Nelson Mandela Bay and beyond – each one delivering another blow to an already fragile electricity distribution industry. DM Chris Yelland is managing director of EE Business Intelligence.
Mail & Guardian
4 days ago
- Mail & Guardian
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IOL News
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Minister Maropene Ramokgopa presents the 2025 Budget Vote for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at Parliament in Cape Town, emphasizing the importance of accountable and evidence-based governance. Image: Supplied Minister Maropene Ramokgopa has announced a R509 million budget for the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) in a move aimed at bolstering government accountability and fostering economic growth, as she presented the budget to Parliament in Cape Town. Supported by Deputy Minister Seiso Mohai, Minister Ramokgopa outlined the Department's strengthened focus on implementing the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030 and the recently approved Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029. 'Over the past few years, attempts have been made to strengthen the mandate of DPME through the Planning Bill. We are now shifting focus and considering a White Paper process which will enable us to clarify a cohort of questions that have been raised by various stakeholders within and outside of government,' said Minister Ramokgopa. The MTDP 2024–2029, approved by Cabinet in February 2025, is already being rolled out. Its strategic priorities include driving inclusive economic growth and job creation, reducing poverty and addressing the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. 'Successful implementation of the MTDP must be demonstrated through the achievement of its set targets and improved living conditions of citizens. It is not enough to plan, we must see results, and we must be held accountable for those results,' she emphasised. Minister Ramokgopa stressed the importance of aligning national, provincial, and local planning processes, starting with integration efforts in the Northern Cape. She highlighted the Department's pivotal role in reforming State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). The National State Enterprises Bill (B1-2024) proposes a centralised shareholder model to improve governance and performance across SOEs. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ A key focus for the DPME going forward is the implementation of a comprehensive Evidence Plan to strengthen research, evaluation, and data systems, supporting evidence-based policymaking. 'Our work must be backed by credible evidence, and that evidence must lead to impact. We are committed to building a state that listens, learns, and delivers measurable change,' said the Minister. Highlighting the importance of partnerships, Minister Ramokgopa noted recent capacity-building workshops and ongoing engagements with Parliament, oversight institutions, and other stakeholders. She also underscored South Africa's leadership role as Chair of the G20 Development Working Group, prioritising financing for development, advancing social protection, and promoting global public goods. Looking ahead, Minister Ramokgopa acknowledged the approaching end of the current NDP and confirmed that the National Planning Commission (NPC) has begun work on a new long-term plan for the country. This process will include inclusive National Dialogues to shape South Africa's future vision. The Minister concluded her address by inviting Parliament to endorse the Budget Vote and expressed gratitude to the Portfolio Committee, Deputy Minister Seiso Mohai, Director-General Dr. Robert Nkuna, and DPME staff. The DPME reaffirmed its commitment to improving government performance and accountability. 'It is not enough to plan, we must see results, and we must be held accountable for those results,' Minister Ramokgopa reiterated. IOL News
