Due to load-shedding, SA is headed for an economic collapse, which includes water and port infrastructure.
That is the damning reduction of a 37-page document by Kgosientso Ramokgopa, head of the presidency’s investment and infrastructure office.
“In terms of the state of energy, it is no longer a crisis but rather an emergency. The country’s inability to provide sustainable and reliable sources of power has long posed an immediate risk, with the situation drastically deteriorating on a daily basis,” Ramokgopa wrote.
The document, which has been circulating in the presidency and is published on Ramokgopa’s LinkedIn page, is believed to have inspired President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during the state of the nation address last week that a post will be created for an electricity minister.
It is reliably understood that Ramokgopa is one of Ramaphosa’s preferred candidates for electricity minister or Eskom CEO.
“If you read the document, it is clear why the president sees his potential,” a source close to Ramaphosa said.
Opposition parties have slammed the plan, saying Ramaphosa is using it to defer a decision on whether to remove public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan and energy minister Gwede Mantashe amid a delayed cabinet reshuffle and the worst load-shedding since power blackouts began in 2008 due to ailing infrastructure, corruption and mismanagement.
Critics have already raised concerns that the declaration of a state of disaster may lead to a new pipeline for corruption.
The Ramokgopa document suggests a possible way forward to prevent the widespread looting of government coffers seen during the state of disaster imposed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Establish independent monitoring capacity for PPPs [public-private partnerships] as identified by Treasury that is linked to global thought leaders and practitioners. This will create an important signalling effect to the private sector,” he wrote.
“This will include the auditor-general,” another source close to Ramaphosa said.
No rush
But it seems the president is in no rush to take a decision on the way forward. He told the ANC’s national working committee (NWC) on Monday to expect a cabinet reshuffle only after the budget speech next week, according to party insiders.
This could change significantly as Ramaphosa continues to apply his mind to the incoming cabinet and consult with the ANC and the rest of the tripartite alliance — the SA Communist Party and Cosatu.
“The NWC resolved to support efforts by government, particularly urgent actions that will be undertaken to address the ongoing energy crisis to end load-shedding.
“Regarding the reconfiguration of government, the NWC advised that the president should be provided the space to outline clear plans to ensure that the government is more responsive, prompt and can deliver on commitments,” the ANC NWC said in a statement.
It is likely to be Ramaphosa’s last chance to reshuffle the national executive before the 2024 general elections, in which the governing ANC is on track to lose its majority.
Backbenchers
ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile, former KwaZulu-Natal premier Sihle Zikalala, former Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau and recently elected ANC second deputy secretary-general Maropene Ramokgopa were all sworn in as MPs last week, but remain backbenchers in the National Assembly until Ramaphosa decides on the composition of his new cabinet.
Constitutionally, appointments to the national executive are the prerogative of the president, but must take place through a clearly explained process and record. Ramaphosa’s decisions have to be rational and adhere to the national interest above all else.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.