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This is the job description of the newly-appointed, Dr Kgosientso Ramokgopa:
- Urgently reduce the severity and frequency of loadshedding
- Accelerate processes related to energy regulations
- Issue directives to have essential facilities excluded from loadshedding ‘where technically feasible’
- Facilitate and coordinate collaborative efforts between all parties involved in the energy crisis response
- Work closely with Eskom on turning around the power utility
- Accelerating the procurement of new generation capacity
- Facilitate speedier processes around conducting critical maintenance
- Liaise with other ministries to ensure cohesion when issuing directions during the national state of disaster
Speaking at a media briefing, Ramaphosa said, “To effectively oversee the electricity crisis response, the appointed minister will have political responsibility, authority and control over all critical aspects of the Energy Action Plan.”
The role of electricity minister was first announced by the president during his State of the Nation Address in February, attracting a flurry of controversy around its necessity, given that there already exist two related ministries, Energy and Public Enterprises.
Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa announced as new electricity minister:
