EMALAHLENI — President Cyril Ramaphosa conducted an oversight visit to Kusile Power Station, signalling government’s continued focus on stabilising South Africa’s electricity supply and strengthening generation capacity.
The President was accompanied by Minister of Electricity and Energy Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Eskom leadership and local government officials. The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to assess operational progress and the country’s energy security outlook.
Ramaphosa’s programme included a high-level meeting with the Eskom Board, engagements with senior management and a walkabout at the facility, where he interacted with workers during a guided tour of the power station.
The visit comes as Kusile Power Station marks a key milestone, with Unit 6 now fully operational. The additional unit is expected to boost electricity supply to the national grid, reinforcing efforts to maintain consistent power delivery.
Addressing stakeholders, Ramaphosa commended Eskom for what he described as a significant turnaround in performance. He highlighted more than 320 days without load shedding as a major step towards energy stability.
“We are seeing real progress in stabilising electricity supply, which is critical for economic growth and improving the lives of South Africans,” he said.
Despite the gains, the President noted that challenges remain, particularly in addressing load reduction affecting some communities. He emphasised the need for equitable access to reliable electricity nationwide.
Ramokgopa said Kusile’s return to full capacity reflects the impact of ongoing reforms within the energy sector.
He added that government remains committed to ensuring long-term energy security through continued maintenance, infrastructure investment and the diversification of energy sources.
Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane highlighted the power station’s contribution to job creation, noting that Kusile generated thousands of jobs during its construction phase and continues to support employment through its permanent workforce and contractors.
He said these opportunities have had a positive impact on local communities and broader economic development.
Marokane said the milestone at Kusile is expected to support the country’s improved electricity performance, with continued investment and reforms remaining key to long-term energy stability. He also indicated that efforts are underway to eliminate load reduction, which mostly affects rural areas, with a target to end it by 2027 through the rollout of smart meters nationwide.
The visit underscores government’s broader strategy to secure long-term energy reliability, as South Africa continues to recover from years of power shortages and infrastructure constraints.
