Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya says an imminent government gazette will outline the powers of Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
Magwenya was responding to questions during a media briefing on Monday.
“The President has not failed to allocate powers to the Minister of Electricity. In fact, that issue has been resolved. The proclamation has been signed and you will have the details of that proclamation once it’s been gazetted,” Magwenya said.
He explained that the process to allocate official powers to the Minister was undertaken carefully.
“Yes, it has taken time, as it should because of the necessary consultations that had to be held to ensure that, in resolving the electricity crisis, we do so in a manner that is harmonious with respect to the workings of government. We take into consideration that that portfolio is a transitional sort of portfolio; it’s not a permanent portfolio.
“Therefore, whatever power that you allocated to it, you will not do so at the risk of causing short term or long term instability in government,” he said.
Meanwhile, regarding a visit to the Kusile Power Station, Ramokgopa said repairs to three units at the power station that have been off since last year are proceeding on schedule.
“Last time I was here, management indicated that they will be bringing those three units back. The last one will be brought back on the 24th of December, the last one of the three will be back by the 28th of November 2023 and the second one by the 11th of December.
“We are here just to check progress and we had an intense discussion with management and I must say…I want to compliment management for the work they have done.
“We are on track to deliver on that promise. As you can imagine, if we were to get these three units back, I think we would have been made significant advances in the resolution of load shedding,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
