Eskom
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said Eskom is examining a direct role in collecting revenue from Johannesburg residents. The move follows a notice from the utility threatening supply cuts over unpaid debt exceeding R5.2 billion.
Imeripotiwa na AI
Eskom has confirmed an internal investigation into possible irregularities in its procurement of diesel fuel for the Ankerlig power station near Cape Town. The probe covers a five-year contract worth around R21 billion awarded to five suppliers in late 2024. Questions have been raised about prepayments, bidder qualifications and due diligence processes.
South Africa's 2025 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement avoided new bailouts for struggling state-owned enterprises like Eskom and Transnet, emphasizing reforms instead. Economists highlight the urgent need for restructuring to achieve efficiency gains and address mounting municipal debts. While Eskom reports its first profit in eight years, persistent challenges in local government finances threaten fiscal stability.
Imeripotiwa na AI
Residents in parts of Soweto are facing electricity cuts twice a day under Eskom's load reduction programme, despite South Africa's recent escape from widespread load shedding. The policy targets areas with illegal connections and strained infrastructure, affecting even prepaid customers who pay on time. Protests and complaints highlight perceptions of discrimination against lower-income communities.