In recent news, the head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Andy Mothibi, has accused former Eskom CEO André de Ruyter of maladministration due to his approval of a covert investigation into the operations of the South African power utility. This action was taken without the authority or knowledge of the board, leading to calls for accountability and a parliamentary inquiry.
Eskom, South Africa’s stateowned power utility, has been facing a host of problems, including rolling blackouts, financial turmoil, crime, corruption, and internal sabotage. The issues have become so deeply ingrained within the organization that forensic investigators have been called in to uncover the extent of the problem.
The South African Minister of Finance has denied Eskom’s request for a partial exemption from disclosing irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures, as well as material losses from criminal conduct in its annual financial statements. This decision highlights the need for Eskom to improve its operational efficiency and fight fraud and corruption before an exemption can be considered.
A toplevel Eskom executive with security clearance is under investigation by the South African police for their alleged involvement in power station sabotage. As per the City Press report, the individual is suspected of orchestrating targeted breakdowns for financial gain, raising concerns about the integrity of the nation’s power supply.
Load shedding has become a common issue in South Africa, causing disruptions in daily life and businesses. In response, the Western Cape Government is taking proactive measures to eliminate power blackouts. The government has launched an ambitious project to provide selected towns in the province with continuous power supply and reduce the impact of load shedding.
The Kusile Power Station is an ambitious project that has been in construction for over a decade. With an estimated cost of R160 billion, it is one of the largest coalfired power stations in the world, with a capacity to generate 4,800 megawatts of electricity upon completion.
As the winter season fast approaches, South Africa braces for a surge in energy demand, which further intensifies the pressure on the stateowned power company, Eskom. Eskom has cautioned about the possible occurrence of power outages to forestall an entire collapse of the national grid.
South Africa’s power utility sector is facing significant challenges as the winter season approaches. The electricity demand is set to increase, and the threat of higher stages of load shedding looms. ## Julius Malema Calls for Return of Former Eskom Executives
Assuming the role of Eskom CEO in January 2020, André de Ruyter soon discovered why it was considered the most challenging job in South Africa. In his newly published book, “Truth to Power: My Three Years Inside Eskom” by Random House Publishers, the former CEO takes readers on a journey through boardrooms and government meetings, unveiling the inner dynamics of the stateowned enterprise.
South Africans may have to brace themselves for more severe power outages as Eskom, the country’s energy provider, considers implementing loadshedding measures beyond stage 8 to prevent the national grid’s collapse. ## The Crucial Document
Eskom, South Africa’s power utility, needs help in providing a stable and reliable power supply. With Stage 6 load shedding already implemented, experts predict the possibility of higher stages during the upcoming winter season. A new national standards document is being developed to guide loadshedding schedules up to Stage 16.
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has recently addressed a number of critical issues affecting the country. These include energy generation, corruption within stateowned power company Eskom, South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, and the integrity of the financial system.
South Africa’s Eskom has committed to restoring power in various areas of the North West Province by the end of the business day. This comes after an explosion at the Mahikeng main substation in Golfview caused power outages in several parts of the Mahikeng Local Municipality. The affected areas include Golfview, Riviera Park, Mahikeng CBD, Danville, Majemantsho, Dihatshwane, and Mosiane View.
Ravensmead has been experiencing a rise in theft and vandalism that has caused significant damage to the city’s medium voltage feeder cable and substation. As a result, the electricity supply network in the area has been severely impacted, leading to frequent tripping and extended outages. The city recognizes the urgency of the situation and is focusing on repairing the damaged infrastructure as quickly as possible.
The Pretoria High Court has ordered the South African government to equip public facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, police stations, and schools, with generators and diesel to ensure an uninterrupted power supply within 60 days. The ruling raises concerns about the economic implications of this directive, as the cost of generators and diesel would be an expensive undertaking for taxpayers, funded by general taxes.
The construction of a new electricity switching station in Morgen Gronde, Brackenfell, is a significant step towards ensuring reliable and adequate electricity supply to the residents and businesses of Cape Town. ## Upgrading the Network
