Podcasts about kusile

Pressure on the ANC's elite-enriching BEE policies ratcheted up to a new level this week. Apart from GNU negotiations over the delayed National Budget, attention was also focused on BEE after on the completion, 17 years later, of the Kusile power station at a final cost of R250bn. It had been signed off as an R80bn project, but was massively escalated by BEE requirements that opened the door to corruption and rent seeking. Among the beneficiaries was (publicly disclosed) billions received by the ANC's investment arm Chancellor House. IRR fellow Gabriel Crouse spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

Eenheid ses van die Kusile-kragstasie is uiteindelik aan die nasionale kragnetwerk gekoppel, maar is die kool die sous werd? Magalies Water sê hy is bekommerd oor MIV-medikasie in die Roodeplaatsdam. Internasioanle klimaatdialoë gaan voort, ondanks die VSA se afwesigheid by vanjaar se G20-omgewingswerksgroep.

Dan Corder is joined by Chris Yelland, Managing Director at EE Business Intelligence, for an in-depth conversation on South Africa’s energy future, the challenges facing the power sector, and the innovations driving change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Die Vereniging vir Plaaslike Regering waarsku dat die toename in elektrisiteitspryse sal lei tot al hoe meer onwettige kragverbindings. Die regering erken hy is verantwoordelik vir die ernstige tekortkominge in Suid-Afrika se vroeë-kinderontwikkelingsprogramme. Ses Eskom-werknemers is in hegtenis geneem in verband met, onder meer, tenderbedrog by die Kusile-kragstasie.

Africa Melane is joined by Matthew Cruz, an energy analyst at Forest Energies, who will provide insight into the potential consequences of Eskom's plans and what they mean for South Africans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Die DA sê hy het aan die Spesiale Ondersoekeenheid geskryf oor sy ondersoek na die 840 miljoen Suid-Afrikaanse rand Wilge-woonkompleks naby die Kusile-kragstasie in Mpumalanga, wat Eskom agtergelaat en totaal verwaarloos het. Kevin Mileham van die party sê die DA het 'n opdatering gevra oor die vordering met die ondersoek, weens onthullings oor hoe ernstig en blatant Eskom se geldmors was.

Die Streekhof in Palm Ridge, Gauteng het die korrupsiesaak teen die voormalige Eskom-kontrakteur, Michael Harry Lomas, tot 28 Oktober uitgestel vir die formele openbaarmaking van die dossier. Henry Mamothame van die Ondersoekdirektoraat sê Lomas, wat onlangs uit die Verenigde Koninkryk uitgelewer is, het 65 aanklagte teen hom in verband met 1,4-miljard Suid-Afrikaanse rand wat veronderstel was om tussen 2014 en 2017 na die opgradering van Eskom se Kusile-kragstasie in Mpumalanga te gaan.

Die Landdroshof in Kemptonpark het die korrupsiesaak teen die voormalige Eskom-kontrakteur, Michael Lomas, tot 27 September uitgestel. Lomas staar 65 aanklagte in die gesig wat verband hou met 1,4 miljard Suid-Afrikaanse rand. Dit was geoormerk vir die opgradering van Eskom se Kusile-kragstasie. Sy uitlewering vanuit die Verenigde Koninkryk het gevolg ná verskeie mislukte appèlle daarteen. Die Ondersoekdirektoraat se woordvoerder, Henry Mamothame, sê die ondersoek behels 11 ander verdagtes, insluitend voormalige Eskom-bestuurders:

Outa het die uitlewering geloof van die voormalige Eskom-kontrakteur, Michael Lomas, wat gekoppel word aan die Kusile-bedrogsaak van 745-miljoen-Suid-Afrikaanse rand. Interpol het hom uitgelewer en hy sal saam met voormalige Eskom-bestuurders en ander beskuldigdes teregstaan. Lomas, wat in 2021 in Brittanje in hegtenis geneem is, is borgtog van 1,7-miljoen-rand en 'n bykomende sekerheidsborg van 4,3-miljoen-rand toegestaan. Rudie Heyneke van Outa het aan eNCA gesê verantwoording moet seëvier.

Ace forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan has landed another big fish in a six year investigation into a R1.4bn Eskom fraud. One of the key facilitators of the heist, former Group Five CEO Mike Lomas, today landed at OR Tambo after losing his case against extradition from the UK. Lomas's return to SA will accelerate the State's criminal trial against massive Eskom tender winner Tony Trindade of Tubular Construction and his internal accomplice, Kusile contract manager Frans Hlakudi. O'Sullivan spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

'n Sleutelfiguur in die Eskom-korrupsiesaga by die Kusile-kragstasie, Michael Lomas, word uit Londen na Suid-Afrika uitgelewer. Die Tshwane-metro is op 'n mespunt met intense onderhandelinge oor 'n nuwe koalisie om die stad te regeer. Pretoria maak hom gereed vir 'n skouspel in die lug.

Load Shedding Update Milestone: 100 days of no load shedding by Friday. Factors: New capacity online, Kusile unit 5 (800 MW), upcoming additions from Medupi and Koeberg. Impact: Reduced GDP loss (previously 1.8% of GDP due to load shedding). Positive effect on inflation and economic stability. Winners: Retailers: Shoprite*, Pick n Pay, Spar (less expenditure on diesel). Manufacturers: Invicta, Hudaco (benefit from increased customer stability). Real Estate: REITs with shopping centers, reduced generator use. Interest Rates Jerome Powell's Speech: Potential for a single rate cut in November. Impact on Markets: Minimal immediate impact, with expectations already priced in. Local MPC Meetings: Predictions for rate changes on 19 September and 21 November. Market Insights Mr Price*: Ex-dividend yet the stock price increased, indicating strong sector performance. Tesla Analysis Market Share: Decline in second-quarter sales but maintains a significant market share (~50%). Challenges: Increased competition from other EV manufacturers. Need for cheaper models. Significant share dilution over the years. Stock Performance: Historical highs and current rebound to 231. Future Prospects: Continued relevance in the EV market despite competition. [caption id="attachment_42560" align="aligncenter" width="849"] Tesla weekly chart | 02 July 2024[/caption] SARS Tax-Free Changes Impact: Minor changes affecting pro rata contributions for part-year taxpayers. RSA Retail Savings Bonds Rate Change: Significant drop in 5-year bond rate from 11.5% to 10.5%. Action Required: Reset by the 20th for current holders. The form is here. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order  

Guest:Prof Sampson Mamphweli is the Head of Energy Secretariat at the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) Prof Sampson Mamphweli is the Head of Energy Secretariat at the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI)  and joins Africa to speak on Kusile Unit 5's return to generation and the 800mw it added to the national grid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kenners praat oor die take wat voorlê vir die nuutaangestelde minister van polisie, Senzo Mchunu. Die Basiese Onderwys-portefeulje word ook onder die loep geneem. Ons vra wat minister Siviwe Gwarube se grootste uitdagings is, in haar nuwe ministersposisie. Die land se kragnetwerk kry 'n addisionele 800 megawatt by ná die aanskakeling van eenheid vyf by die Kusile-steenkoolkragstasie. Verdere verligting vir motoriste by die petrolpompe vandeesmaand. Is Suid-Afrikaners gelukkiger noudat daar duidelikheid is oor die land se uitvoerende gesag? Ons praat met 'n welvaartekonoom oor die jongste geluksindeks.

Die buurland se elektrisiteit-minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, het Eskom se plan aangekondig om 2 580 megawatt binne die volgende ses maande by die netwerk te voeg. Die minister sê dit sal vergemaklik word deur die terugkeer van eenhede by Koeberg, Medupi en Kusile. Ramokgopa het die privaat sektor erkenning gegee vir hul aggressiewe ontplooiing van sonkragstelsels, wat spanning op die netwerk verlig. Hy het ook komende nuts-skaal projekte uitgelig.

This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a leading supplier of products, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. State-owned electricity utility Eskom will reduce planned maintenance to 3 000 MW during the upcoming winter season and will seek to keep unplanned breakdowns to below 14 000 MW in a bid to navigate the high-demand period with limited loadshedding. During the summer period, from September to the end of March, the utility set a target of restricting unplanned breakdowns to 14 500 MW during the high-maintenance summer months, when average planned maintenance levels of 7 000 MW were targeted. During those periods when breakdowns exceeded the target, loadshedding was typically implemented, at times at high levels of intensity of between Stage 4 and 6. While the winter outlook was still being finalised, Eskom Generation's Eric Shunmagum confirmed during a briefing on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan that it should be released later this month. He also confirmed that the diesel budget for the 2024/25 financial year would be below the R30-billion set aside for the operation of the Eskom and independent power producer open-cycle gas turbines in 2023/24; a budget that he confirmed had been marginally exceeded, without providing specifics. The diesel budget for the current financial year, meanwhile, would be communicated at a future briefing. Speaking amid a sustained period during which Eskom had not resorted to loadshedding, Shunmagum stressed that the winter plan, as with previous plans, would contain three scenarios, with the base scenario likely to indicate only limited loadshedding for the period from April to the end of August. He also insisted that Eskom Generation would work to ensure that breakdowns were kept below the 14 000 MW level to further reduce the threat of loadshedding. However, the coal fleet remained unreliable with intense recovery work still under way at six priority stations, including Majuba, Matla, Duvha, Kendal, Tutuka and Kriel, which had replaced Kusile on the list after Kusile's performance was deemed to have recovered following the introduction of temporary stacks. EAF TARGET MISSED Meanwhile, Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa confirmed that the Eskom fleet failed to achieve the 65% energy availability factor (EAF) target set by the board for the end of March, coming in at only 54.6%. The performance was even below the 56% EAF reported by Eskom in its previous financial year. Nevertheless, Shunmagum described the target as non-negotiable and insisted that the 65% to 70% target remained intact for the current financial year. Ramokgopa attributed the failure to achieve the EAF target to "aggressive planned maintenance" efforts, which he said were prioritised ahead of lifting the EAF to closer to 60%. "Planned maintenance increased from 9.3% in FY2023 to 12.0% in FY2024 reinforcing the commitment to execute the recovery plans and reduce plant risks," he said. The Minister also insisted that various additional capacity was scheduled to be added or returned to service over the coming five months, including: Medupi Unit 4 in August, where a second-hand generator was being installed after a unit was crippled by a fire incident in August 2021; Koeberg Unit 2, which is currently scheduled to return from an extended outage in September; and Kusile Unit 6, which is also currently scheduled to be synchronised to the grid in September. "In the next five months, we should be able to get 2 583 MW of new generation capacity [from Eskom]," Ramokgopa said. He also played down concerns that up to 2 100 MW of Kusile capacity would be unavailable from November, when the three units that are currently bypassing the flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) plant using temporary stacks, were scheduled to start being reconnected to the FDG through the west stack. The west stack was rendered inoperable when Kusile's Unit 1 flue duct collapsed because of an unco...

This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a leading supplier of products, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. State-owned electricity utility Eskom will reduce planned maintenance to 3 000 MW during the upcoming winter season and will seek to keep unplanned breakdowns to below 14 000 MW in a bid to navigate the high-demand period with limited loadshedding. During the summer period, from September to the end of March, the utility set a target of restricting unplanned breakdowns to 14 500 MW during the high-maintenance summer months, when average planned maintenance levels of 7 000 MW were targeted. During those periods when breakdowns exceeded the target, loadshedding was typically implemented, at times at high levels of intensity of between Stage 4 and 6. While the winter outlook was still being finalised, Eskom Generation's Eric Shunmagum confirmed during a briefing on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan that it should be released later this month. He also confirmed that the diesel budget for the 2024/25 financial year would be below the R30-billion set aside for the operation of the Eskom and independent power producer open-cycle gas turbines in 2023/24; a budget that he confirmed had been marginally exceeded, without providing specifics. The diesel budget for the current financial year, meanwhile, would be communicated at a future briefing. Speaking amid a sustained period during which Eskom had not resorted to loadshedding, Shunmagum stressed that the winter plan, as with previous plans, would contain three scenarios, with the base scenario likely to indicate only limited loadshedding for the period from April to the end of August. He also insisted that Eskom Generation would work to ensure that breakdowns were kept below the 14 000 MW level to further reduce the threat of loadshedding. However, the coal fleet remained unreliable with intense recovery work still under way at six priority stations, including Majuba, Matla, Duvha, Kendal, Tutuka and Kriel, which had replaced Kusile on the list after Kusile's performance was deemed to have recovered following the introduction of temporary stacks. EAF TARGET MISSED Meanwhile, Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa confirmed that the Eskom fleet failed to achieve the 65% energy availability factor (EAF) target set by the board for the end of March, coming in at only 54.6%. The performance was even below the 56% EAF reported by Eskom in its previous financial year. Nevertheless, Shunmagum described the target as non-negotiable and insisted that the 65% to 70% target remained intact for the current financial year. Ramokgopa attributed the failure to achieve the EAF target to "aggressive planned maintenance" efforts, which he said were prioritised ahead of lifting the EAF to closer to 60%. "Planned maintenance increased from 9.3% in FY2023 to 12.0% in FY2024 reinforcing the commitment to execute the recovery plans and reduce plant risks," he said. The Minister also insisted that various additional capacity was scheduled to be added or returned to service over the coming five months, including: Medupi Unit 4 in August, where a second-hand generator was being installed after a unit was crippled by a fire incident in August 2021; Koeberg Unit 2, which is currently scheduled to return from an extended outage in September; and Kusile Unit 6, which is also currently scheduled to be synchronised to the grid in September. "In the next five months, we should be able to get 2 583 MW of new generation capacity [from Eskom]," Ramokgopa said. He also played down concerns that up to 2 100 MW of Kusile capacity would be unavailable from November, when the three units that are currently bypassing the flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) plant using temporary stacks, were scheduled to start being reconnected to the FDG through the west stack. The west stack was rendered inoperable when Kusile's Unit 1 flue duct collapsed because of an unco...

Antoinette Slabbert, senior verslaggewer by Rapport gesels oor hoekom Eskom drie eenhede by Kusile afskakel. Volg RSG Geldsake op Twitter

Chris Yelland – Independent Energy Analyst SAfm Market Update - Podcasts and live stream

This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a leading supplier of products, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says Eskom's new CEO, Dan Marokane, will offer a comprehensive outline of a revised generation recovery plan that will seek to integrate recommendations arising from various expert reports into the state of the coal power stations, including the hard-hitting Vgbe report commissioned by the National Treasury. However, Eskom Generation's Eric Shunmagum also reported "some inaccuracies" with the report's findings, which required further engagement with the National Treasury before the recommendations could be integrated. Without going into detail, Shunmagum indicated that the inaccuracies related to the report's assessment of the water treatment plants at Kusile and Medupi. "The report is being embraced. "However, there are some inaccuracies in the report, which we have formally responded to, and we will continue to work on with the National Treasury team." The Vgbe-led consortium assessed 14 coal stations between March and May last year and its subsequent report, which was released only last month, attributed their poor performance to a "dysfunctional" and overly complex management system within Eskom Generation. The report concluded that the solution lay in conducting operations and maintenance in line with industry standards and proposed a decentralisation of decision-making, including by providing power station managers with "full budget responsibility and accountability". It also recommended the "immediate establishment of an interim team of independent experts (outside of Eskom) that reports directly to National Treasury" for a period of between one-and-a-half and two years. Ramokgopa reported that the Ministry and Eskom had interrogated the report extensively, and he claimed that many of the issues raised were already being tackled under the prevailing generation recovery plan and through the National Energy Crisis Committee. He also stressed that the Vgbe report was but one report that was being considered by Marokane and Eskom as part of the review of the 'Generation Operational Recovery Plan'. The other assessments being considered included reports by WSP and the World Bank, as well as a Ministerial Diagnostic report. When Marokane officially assumed the role of CEO on March 1, chairperson Mteto Nyati indicated that the review of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan had been set as a priority for his first 100 days. On whether independent experts will be appointed as recommended, Ramakgopa said it would be a decision for Eskom to make as it was a "management decision". However, he noted that various experts had already been seconded to support Eskom under the partnership with Business for South Africa, with a particular focus on the six power stations of Duvha, Kendal, Kusile, Majuba, Matla and Tutuka.

This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a leading supplier of products, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says Eskom's new CEO, Dan Marokane, will offer a comprehensive outline of a revised generation recovery plan that will seek to integrate recommendations arising from various expert reports into the state of the coal power stations, including the hard-hitting Vgbe report commissioned by the National Treasury. However, Eskom Generation's Eric Shunmagum also reported "some inaccuracies" with the report's findings, which required further engagement with the National Treasury before the recommendations could be integrated. Without going into detail, Shunmagum indicated that the inaccuracies related to the report's assessment of the water treatment plants at Kusile and Medupi. "The report is being embraced. "However, there are some inaccuracies in the report, which we have formally responded to, and we will continue to work on with the National Treasury team." The Vgbe-led consortium assessed 14 coal stations between March and May last year and its subsequent report, which was released only last month, attributed their poor performance to a "dysfunctional" and overly complex management system within Eskom Generation. The report concluded that the solution lay in conducting operations and maintenance in line with industry standards and proposed a decentralisation of decision-making, including by providing power station managers with "full budget responsibility and accountability". It also recommended the "immediate establishment of an interim team of independent experts (outside of Eskom) that reports directly to National Treasury" for a period of between one-and-a-half and two years. Ramokgopa reported that the Ministry and Eskom had interrogated the report extensively, and he claimed that many of the issues raised were already being tackled under the prevailing generation recovery plan and through the National Energy Crisis Committee. He also stressed that the Vgbe report was but one report that was being considered by Marokane and Eskom as part of the review of the 'Generation Operational Recovery Plan'. The other assessments being considered included reports by WSP and the World Bank, as well as a Ministerial Diagnostic report. When Marokane officially assumed the role of CEO on March 1, chairperson Mteto Nyati indicated that the review of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan had been set as a priority for his first 100 days. On whether independent experts will be appointed as recommended, Ramakgopa said it would be a decision for Eskom to make as it was a "management decision". However, he noted that various experts had already been seconded to support Eskom under the partnership with Business for South Africa, with a particular focus on the six power stations of Duvha, Kendal, Kusile, Majuba, Matla and Tutuka.

President Cyril Ramaphosa noted on Monday that Eskom, under the leadership of its new Group CEO, is finalising an agreement with business to deploy additional independent skilled experts to support the ailing power utility. Eskom CEO Dan Marokane assumed office on Friday. Eskom has been without a CEO since February last year, after the early departure of André de Ruyter. Ramaphosa wrote in his weekly letter to the nation that the partnership between government and business was established in June, last year, to tackle the electricity supply crisis, the severe challenges in freight rail and port operations, and crime and corruption. He noted that while the partnership has been focused on specific immediate actions, the broader work to grow the economy and create jobs draws on the contributions and capabilities of all social partners and stakeholders. He said the partnership is working to increase electricity generation capacity from different sources by up to 10 600 MW, which will enable a significant reduction in the severity of loadshedding by the end of the year. This, he said, included improved Eskom plant performance, additional private investment in rooftop solar and large-scale power projects, and connecting projects from previous renewable energy bid windows to the grid. He highlighted that since November 2023, loadshedding is 61% lower than the same period a year ago. "Among other things, this has been made possible by the return of units at Kusile power station and the impact of new generation capacity from rooftop solar and private sector investment," he explained. Since the partnership began, he said the private sector has contributed more than R170-million of direct support and has mobilised over 350 technical experts across the three areas. More than 130 CEOs of the country's leading companies have pledged their support, he added. Meanwhile, he explained that following the recent appointment of permanent executive leadership, Transnet is focused on rebuilding internal capacity and drawing on these private sector technical resources to restore the operational performance of strategic rail corridors. CRIME AND CORRUPTION Ramaphosa also highlighted that steady progress has been made in tackling crime and corruption, saying through the Joint Initiative on Crime and Corruption, the private sector is providing business information and resources to assist with the fight against infrastructure crime. Support has also been provided to modernise the 10111 police helpline, with a pilot project initiated at the main call centre in Midrand, and the establishment of a forensics analysis centre with the Hawks. Ramaphosa highlighted that an important part of the work to tackle crime and corruption will be the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Amendment Bill, which he said will strengthen the independence and investigating capacity of the NPA. He explained that the Bill will also enable the establishment of additional infrastructure to support the Investigating Directorate as a permanent entity, including a dedicated forensics laboratory. Ramaphosa noted that a key focus of the partnership is to secure South Africa's removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list by at least June 2025. "As we work to rebuild our economy, we will strive to deepen these partnerships and to reach out to all South Africans to be involved in these efforts. By broadening the involvement of all social partners in this work, we will continue to build durable social compacts that make a real difference in people's lives," he said.

This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a leading supplier of products, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Government and business have set a goal of increasing South Africa's electricity generation capacity by 10.5 GW by the end of 2025 as part of ongoing collaborative efforts to tackle growth-sapping power disruptions and reduce the intensity and almost daily frequency of loadshedding by year-end. In a briefing held following the latest meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa's Cabinet and those senior business leaders who have committed to supporting government in overcoming its loadshedding, logistics and crime crises, the Presidency's Rudi Dicks said the capacity could arise from multiple sources, including by recovering capacity from Eskom's unreliable coal fleet. The lion's share, however, would arise from ongoing solar rooftop investment, public procurement and utility-scale projects being pursued by various companies on the back of a reform allowing distributed plants of any size to proceed without a licence, even when using the grid to wheel electricity. Eskom's Generation Recovery Plan would focus on operational improvements at Matla, Majuba, Kendal and Tutuka, as well as within Rotek, and would seek to build on recent partnership successes with business at Kusile, Kriel and Matla. However, Dicks said it would also hinge on securing "many more skilled resources" over and above the support that had been provided so far by the 75 individuals who had already been assigned to assist on a pro bono basis. While some services would continue to be delivered on that basis, work was also under way by Eskom, business and the National Treasury on a proposed mutual cooperation agreement (MCA) to enable Eskom to "procure skilled experts, strategic parts and ringfenced projects". Business for South Africa's Martin Kingston noted that such an agreement was already in place between Transnet and the Richards Bay Coal Terminal, which he described as a "cost-recovery mechanism". Dicks said the MCA sought to formalise the partnership between Eskom and the private sector, while stressing that it would be seeking a deal that not only complied with legislation and supply-chain management regulations but still allowed for some "pro bono work to continue". "Pro-bono support has already been provided but this does not cover technical engineering expertise to address both the main and auxiliary plant problems," Dicks added. Kingston, meanwhile, offered an assurance that the MCA with Eskom would be transparent and structured to either remove or manage any potential conflicts of interest. The proposed MCA follows the recent release of a report commissioned by the National Treasury in 2023 into the state of the Eskom coal power stations, in which the Vgbe-led report authors described the State-owned utility's governance structure and processes as "dysfunctional". They made several recommendations for improving the management structure, including the establishment of an interim team of independent experts, outside of Eskom and reporting to the National Treasury, whose members would be situated at the stations to follow up key risk areas and intervene if required. Dicks said the Vgbe report had confirmed the National Energy Crisis Committee's (Necom's) own analysis of the challenges, as well as what the required focus to ensure improved plant performance was. GRID FOR UPCOMING BID WINDOW? Outside of Eskom, business and government also agreed that actions should be taken to support ongoing private investment at a rooftop and utility scale, as well as ensure the success of the public procurement bid windows launched for renewables, gas-to-power and battery storage. Together, these private generation investments were expected to provide the majority of the additional 10.5 GW of capacity to be added or recovered by the end of 2025. It was also agreed that Eskom and the National Energy Regulator of...

This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a leading supplier of products, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Government and business have set a goal of increasing South Africa's electricity generation capacity by 10.5 GW by the end of 2025 as part of ongoing collaborative efforts to tackle growth-sapping power disruptions and reduce the intensity and almost daily frequency of loadshedding by year-end. In a briefing held following the latest meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa's Cabinet and those senior business leaders who have committed to supporting government in overcoming its loadshedding, logistics and crime crises, the Presidency's Rudi Dicks said the capacity could arise from multiple sources, including by recovering capacity from Eskom's unreliable coal fleet. The lion's share, however, would arise from ongoing solar rooftop investment, public procurement and utility-scale projects being pursued by various companies on the back of a reform allowing distributed plants of any size to proceed without a licence, even when using the grid to wheel electricity. Eskom's Generation Recovery Plan would focus on operational improvements at Matla, Majuba, Kendal and Tutuka, as well as within Rotek, and would seek to build on recent partnership successes with business at Kusile, Kriel and Matla. However, Dicks said it would also hinge on securing "many more skilled resources" over and above the support that had been provided so far by the 75 individuals who had already been assigned to assist on a pro bono basis. While some services would continue to be delivered on that basis, work was also under way by Eskom, business and the National Treasury on a proposed mutual cooperation agreement (MCA) to enable Eskom to "procure skilled experts, strategic parts and ringfenced projects". Business for South Africa's Martin Kingston noted that such an agreement was already in place between Transnet and the Richards Bay Coal Terminal, which he described as a "cost-recovery mechanism". Dicks said the MCA sought to formalise the partnership between Eskom and the private sector, while stressing that it would be seeking a deal that not only complied with legislation and supply-chain management regulations but still allowed for some "pro bono work to continue". "Pro-bono support has already been provided but this does not cover technical engineering expertise to address both the main and auxiliary plant problems," Dicks added. Kingston, meanwhile, offered an assurance that the MCA with Eskom would be transparent and structured to either remove or manage any potential conflicts of interest. The proposed MCA follows the recent release of a report commissioned by the National Treasury in 2023 into the state of the Eskom coal power stations, in which the Vgbe-led report authors described the State-owned utility's governance structure and processes as "dysfunctional". They made several recommendations for improving the management structure, including the establishment of an interim team of independent experts, outside of Eskom and reporting to the National Treasury, whose members would be situated at the stations to follow up key risk areas and intervene if required. Dicks said the Vgbe report had confirmed the National Energy Crisis Committee's (Necom's) own analysis of the challenges, as well as what the required focus to ensure improved plant performance was. GRID FOR UPCOMING BID WINDOW? Outside of Eskom, business and government also agreed that actions should be taken to support ongoing private investment at a rooftop and utility scale, as well as ensure the success of the public procurement bid windows launched for renewables, gas-to-power and battery storage. Together, these private generation investments were expected to provide the majority of the additional 10.5 GW of capacity to be added or recovered by the end of 2025. It was also agreed that Eskom and the National Energy Regulator of...

This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a leading supplier of products, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Standard Bank chief economist Goolam Ballim does not anticipate "material fiscal slippage" in the 2024 Budget, despite expenditure pressures associated with the upcoming elections, as well as calls for additional support for Transnet, whose underperformance alongside ongoing power cuts and water disruptions continue to throttle growth and investment. Delivering his yearly economic outlook, Ballim acknowledged that there was likely to be some fiscal slippage relative to the forecasts provided by Finance Minster Enoch Godongwana in his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. However, he did not anticipate a major deviation on the revenue side from what was communicated in October, while on expenditure he highlighted recent statements by the Minister in which government's commitment to "fiscal containment" had been reiterated. In addition, Ballim did not anticipate an announcement of additional support for Transnet beyond the R47-billion guarantee facility announced in December, as any debt-relief or capital injection was likely to be linked to a decision on harnessing the Gold and Foreign Exchange Contingency Reserve Account; one that was unlikely to be made in time for the February Budget. Nevertheless, the political climate, including election uncertainty and ongoing problems relating to the performance of State-owned enterprises, would continue to "bedevil" the growth and investment outlook and eclipse other factors such as geopolitical tensions and high interest rates. Standard Bank is forecasting a moderation in the average inflation rate to 5% this year and cumulative rate cuts, starting from the second quarter, reducing the repo rate to 7.25% by year-end from 8.25% currently. The political headwinds could ease during the second half of the year, with Standard Bank anticipating an easing in the intensity of loadshedding, together with visible momentum on reforms designed to address the prevailing logistics crisis. The bank's election base case is for the governing African National Congress (ANC) to dip below 50% for the first time in the democratic era and it has ascribed a 65% probability to the ANC securing between 45% and 50% of the votes, from 57.5% in 2019. It has assigned only a 10% probability to the ANC securing more then 50% of the vote and a 25% probability to the ANC's share falling to about 40% and requiring a coalition with a bigger party, which Ballim said would be a binary choice between the Democratic Alliance or the Economic Freedom Front. The bank's analysis pointed to the ANC facing major difficulties in retaining its leadership position in provinces such as Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and the Northern Cape. The election is likely to lead to a 0.2 percentage point fall in gross domestic product (GDP) for the year, which was relatively small when compared with the bank's estimate that power disruptions lopped two percentage points of growth in 2023 and Transnet between 0.5 and one percentage point. Ballim expected loadshedding to continue to weigh on GDP in 2024, reducing growth by a percentage point. But he argued that South Africa might have reached a turning point on the electricity front, owing to increased generation from Kusile and Medupi, as well as the investments made in rooftop solar and distributed generation. Transnet, which he dubbed 'Eskom 2.0', would continue to clog South Africa's trade arteries, but reform momentum should build later in the year, while water was emerging as 'Eskom 3.0'. Overall, Standard Bank is forecasting growth of only 1.2% for 2024, with fixed investment still leveraged towards closing infrastructure backlogs rather than growth projects. "I think the year will end more optimistically: power; momentum in Transnet; inflation better controlled; real incomes that will be positive; general upward momentum w...

This audio is brought to you by Endress and Hauser, a leading supplier of products, solutions and services for industrial process measurement and automation. Standard Bank chief economist Goolam Ballim does not anticipate "material fiscal slippage" in the 2024 Budget, despite expenditure pressures associated with the upcoming elections, as well as calls for additional support for Transnet, whose underperformance alongside ongoing power cuts and water disruptions continue to throttle growth and investment. Delivering his yearly economic outlook, Ballim acknowledged that there was likely to be some fiscal slippage relative to the forecasts provided by Finance Minster Enoch Godongwana in his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. However, he did not anticipate a major deviation on the revenue side from what was communicated in October, while on expenditure he highlighted recent statements by the Minister in which government's commitment to "fiscal containment" had been reiterated. In addition, Ballim did not anticipate an announcement of additional support for Transnet beyond the R47-billion guarantee facility announced in December, as any debt-relief or capital injection was likely to be linked to a decision on harnessing the Gold and Foreign Exchange Contingency Reserve Account; one that was unlikely to be made in time for the February Budget. Nevertheless, the political climate, including election uncertainty and ongoing problems relating to the performance of State-owned enterprises, would continue to "bedevil" the growth and investment outlook and eclipse other factors such as geopolitical tensions and high interest rates. Standard Bank is forecasting a moderation in the average inflation rate to 5% this year and cumulative rate cuts, starting from the second quarter, reducing the repo rate to 7.25% by year-end from 8.25% currently. The political headwinds could ease during the second half of the year, with Standard Bank anticipating an easing in the intensity of loadshedding, together with visible momentum on reforms designed to address the prevailing logistics crisis. The bank's election base case is for the governing African National Congress (ANC) to dip below 50% for the first time in the democratic era and it has ascribed a 65% probability to the ANC securing between 45% and 50% of the votes, from 57.5% in 2019. It has assigned only a 10% probability to the ANC securing more then 50% of the vote and a 25% probability to the ANC's share falling to about 40% and requiring a coalition with a bigger party, which Ballim said would be a binary choice between the Democratic Alliance or the Economic Freedom Front. The bank's analysis pointed to the ANC facing major difficulties in retaining its leadership position in provinces such as Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State and the Northern Cape. The election is likely to lead to a 0.2 percentage point fall in gross domestic product (GDP) for the year, which was relatively small when compared with the bank's estimate that power disruptions lopped two percentage points of growth in 2023 and Transnet between 0.5 and one percentage point. Ballim expected loadshedding to continue to weigh on GDP in 2024, reducing growth by a percentage point. But he argued that South Africa might have reached a turning point on the electricity front, owing to increased generation from Kusile and Medupi, as well as the investments made in rooftop solar and distributed generation. Transnet, which he dubbed 'Eskom 2.0', would continue to clog South Africa's trade arteries, but reform momentum should build later in the year, while water was emerging as 'Eskom 3.0'. Overall, Standard Bank is forecasting growth of only 1.2% for 2024, with fixed investment still leveraged towards closing infrastructure backlogs rather than growth projects. "I think the year will end more optimistically: power; momentum in Transnet; inflation better controlled; real incomes that will be positive; general upward momentum w...

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As South Africans enjoy the last few days of the holiday season, power utility, Eskom kicked off the new year with the announcement of the return of stages two and three electricity rolling blackouts. The power utility has cited a number of reasons for the decision including intensified maintenance, the loss of six generating units, as well as three- generating units not returning online as had been anticipated. This comes just days after Eskom announced the synchronisation of a new unit at the Kusile power station. Energy Expert, Chris Yelland says the return of load shedding following an extended period of uninterrupted power supply, is a huge blow for the public. He spoke to Elvis Presslin.

Guest: Clyde Mallinson | Director at Virtual Energy and Power (VEP) In a bold move, the South African government is delving into mega energy projects, reminiscent of Kusile and Medupi. Our host, John Maytham, recently engaged in a conversation with Clyde Mallinson, the Director of Virtual Energy and Power, to unravel the complexities surrounding the government's plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The past week's announcements on Russian wins for the Mossgas plant refurbishment and a proposed 2 500MW nuclear plant follow the template applied by the ANC in the disastrous Kusile and Medupi contracts, where tender documents were massaged to favour Luthuli House's preferred partner. In this episode of UNDICTATED, shadow minerals and energy minister Kevin Mileham shares background to these latest deals, and what the DA is doing to ensure there is no repeat of the Eskom plant debacle. He spoke to BizNews editor Alec Hogg.

Die Organisasie teen Belastingmisbruik kritiseer die Nasionale Vervolgingsgesag dat hy Suid-Afrikaners in die steek gelaat het nadat die korrupsiesaak teen die voormalige uitvoerende hoof van Eskom, Matshela Koko, en 18 ander van die rol geskrap is in die Streekhof in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. Die saak gaan oor bewerings van kontrakte van miljarde rand vir werk by die Kusile-kragstasie wat na bewering maatskappye bevoordeel wat met Koko se vriende en familie verbind word. ʼn Woordvoerder van Outa, Stefanie Fick, is teleurgesteld en stel voor die hof doen ondersoek om vas te stel of daar ʼn onredelike vertraging was.

Die Landdroshof in Middelburg, Mpumalanga het die saak teen die voormalige uitvoerende hoof van Eskom, Matshela Koko, van die rol geskrap. Koko en sy medebeskuldigdes, insluitend sy vrou en twee stiefdogters, staan tereg op aanklagte van bedrog, korrupsie en geldwassery wat verband hou met kontrakte ter waarde van 2,2 miljard Suid-Afrikaanse rand vir werk by die Kusile-kragstasie. Die aangeleentheid kan later weer na die hof terugkeer. Koko het buite die hof gesê die regstappe teen hom was ‘n misdaad en ‘n poging om sy gesin te vernietig.

African National Congress President Cyril Ramaphosa claims that South Africa "has turned a definite corner as far as loadshedding is concerned", adding that the levels and frequency of loadshedding are expected to improve during the fourth quarter. In closing remarks following the party's National Executive Committee meeting, Ramaphosa attributed this claim to the "return of Kusile units, embedded generation by private households and businesses, and demand management". Earlier Eskom announced that Kusile Unit 1 had resumed production using a temporary flue a few days short of a year of having been rendered inoperable by the collapse of its flue duct on October 23, 2022, because of an uncontrolled build-up of slurry. The failure also made two other units inoperable as the Unit 1 flue collapse damaged the unit two and three flues, which share a common chimney with the Unit 1 flue. Eskom said Unit 1, which has a nameplate capacity of 800 MW but is contracted to supply 720 MW into the grid, had been returned a month-and-a half-ahead of the original schedule. The utility did not say how much electricity from Unit 1 was currently entering the loadshedding-prone system, but indicated that Kusile Unit 3, which resumed production on September 30, was producing 800 MW consistently and supplying 720 MW into the grid. The 80 MW difference arises as the station uses electricity, known as parasitic load, to run various systems that do not contribute to electricity yield. "This signifies that Eskom is on the right path to reducing and ultimately ending loadshedding," Eskom said in a statement. Kusile Unit 2 is officially scheduled to resume production on November 30 and Eskom did not provide any immediate indication as to whether it was able to beat that deadline. Before the units could resume production, Eskom sought and received a postponement, until March 31, 2025, to Kusile's compliance with minimum emission standards in relation to its sulphur dioxide emissions, as the temporary flues bypass the flue gas desulphurisation plant. Currently four Kusile units are on load, including Unit 4, which was unaffected by the flue collapse as its flue duct is in a separate chimney. Kusile Unit 5, which was damaged by a fire ahead of commissioning, was being prepared for synchronisation to the grid towards the end of December.

Welcome to an electrifying episode as we sit down with Hügo Krüger, a brilliant engineer and energy policy expert from South Africa. Get ready to dive into the captivating world of nuclear power and energy policy as Hügo enlightens us on the potential, challenges, and misconceptions surrounding this controversial topic. From the significance of nuclear fuels and new reactor designs to the integration of Bitcoin mining with nuclear power plants, we explore it all. Join us on this stimulating journey as Hügo breaks down complex concepts and provides insights that will leave you pondering the future of clean and efficient energy.In the first chapter, Hichou sheds light on the constraints and opposition faced by nuclear power. Discover the physical limitations of nuclear energy production, the centralized nature it requires, and the culture of fear that has driven up its costs. Explore the implications of the linear safety standard and the misconceptions surrounding radiation. Hügo's expertise and nuanced perspective will challenge your preconceived notions and provide rational clarity on the potential of nuclear power.Next, we venture into the realm of vendor financing and nuclear power exploration. Hügo shares his insights on the importance of structure and contracts in building nuclear power stations, drawing from the mistakes made in the Kusile project. Discover how different countries handle the risk and reliability of nuclear energy, and the geopolitical implications of their deals. Gain a deeper understanding of the potential held by nuclear energy and the challenges we must overcome to harness its full thermodynamic potential.In our final chapter, the intersection of Bitcoin mining and nuclear power takes center stage. Explore the power of pump storage and its applications in producing hydrogen, while uncovering the economic advantages of integrating Bitcoin mining with nuclear power plants. Learn how risk is split between parties and the countries that have a commendable track record in nuclear energy. With Hügo's expert insights, we delve into the intricacies of these innovative technologies and the promising future they hold for a greener and more sustainable world.Tune in to this thought-provoking episode and join us on an enlightening journey through the complexities and potentials of nuclear power and energy policy with the remarkable Hügo Krüger.

The Tshwane Municipality holds a media briefing to present its Energy Action Plan. Due to high consumption levels, Gauteng residents are urged to use water sparingly. Spring tides have wreaked havoc across several coastal communities, so NSRI urges people to be cautious. EWN speaks to more NPOs impacted by Postbank's payment system's glitches. The Democratic Alliance will lay a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission over the South African Social Security Agency's payouts. President Cyril Ramaphosa attended the 78th session of the General Assembly. SPORTS WRAP WITH MAWANDE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicholas Lorimer and Sara Gon discuss the incredible revelation that the giant Kusile power plant is currently producing no electricity. They also discuss a conflict of interest in Deputy President Paul Mashatile's latest advisor appointment. They also chat about the Union's outrage at government “austerity”. Website · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter

The roots of South Africa's Construction Mafia reach all the way back to the extensive site disruptions around payment issues at the Medupi and Kusile projects for ESKOM. This emerges from an interview with Construction lawyer Euan Massey who says regulations released in 2017 opened up a door for illicit organisations to use what had happened previously in terms of site disruption to demand payment from contractors and from developers and subcontractors in the construction industry on the premise that it was a government requirement that they be paid 30% of the contract value. Their modus operandi involve extortion, violence, and even murder. Meanwhile details about the alleged involvement of government officials and crooked cops in the Construction Mafia emerged at a webinar this week with the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala and industry experts. The Minister says a special task force to  deal with the Construction Mafia is being established - and at least 605 suspects have been arrested. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brandon Abdinor joins Mike from The Centre for Environmental Rights to explain the motivation for an appeal made by a group of environmental activist  organisations against a decision to allow Eskom to bypass pollution rules as it implements a temporary fix at Kusile power station in Mpumalanga.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Civil society groups have lodged their appeal against a decision granting Eskom a temporary exemption to bypass pollution controls at Kusile. The exemption allows Eskom to run Kusile without flue gas desulphurisation (FGD), which is required to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions. Eskom had applied for the exemption following the collapse of a flue gas duct at Kusile's unit 1 last year, owing to ash buildup inside the pipe. This affected the operations of units 2 and 3 - which meant Eskom lost about 2 100MW of generation capacity, or two stages of load shedding. The exemption, granted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment's (DFFE) National Air Quality Office, would effectively allow Eskom to return the units into operation earlier than if the flue duct first had to be repaired. The exemption applies until 31 March 2025. The Vukani Environmental Justice Movement in Action and groundWork, which are represented by the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), are appealing this decision, they said in a joint statement on Thursday. The organisations said that they understand the concerns about load shedding and the impacts on the economy and livelihoods. However, they have questioned whether Eskom and the National Air Quality Officer had "adequately" evaluated the proposal to run Kusile without FGD - given its consequences for health as well as the costs. "The costs of the permanent repair to the failed stack are not being disclosed by Eskom, making a sound cost-benefit assessment by interested and affected parties impossible," the groups put forward. Sulphur dioxide pollution is associated with respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis. Research by the Centre for Research into Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has also highlighted that if Kusile were to run without FGD it would significantly increase sulphur dioxide and mercury emissions that would affect health and cause hundreds of deaths: In addition to the sixfold increase in SO2 emissions (an excess of 280 000 tonnes), bypassing the FGD will also see a 40% increase in the emission of mercury - a potent neurotoxin which persists in the environment for years. "The increased emissions from Kusile are projected to result in 670 excess deaths, 3 000 asthma emergency room visits, 720 000 days of work absence and a societal costs of health impacts to the tune of up to R24-billion," the CER said, citing CREA's research. A 2021 data analysis by CREA also found Eskom to be the world's worst sulphur dioxide polluter. The exemption is subject to the condition that Eskom take steps to mitigate the harm caused by exposure to sulphur dioxide, but the groups have criticised these as being weak. For example, Eskom is required to have independent health screenings and refer people to "appropriate" public health facilities for treatment. But the groups want a more proactive approach - such as the introduction of mobile clinics, a health management outreach programme, chronic treatment and improved air quality monitoring and installing filtration systems at schools and public buildings. "The mitigation measures required of Eskom are weak and general, and there are concerns about how effective they will be. As things currently stand, public health facilities in the area are woefully underequipped to deal with the air quality-induced crisis in the region," said Ntombi Maphosa, CER attorney. "We are expecting hundreds of people to sacrifice their lives and thousands more to experience disabilities because of our poor energy choices. This is unconscionable. We need to shift to renewable energy as a matter of utmost urgency," added Michelle Cruywagen, senior just transition and coal campaign manager, groundWork.

Eskom is expecting demand for the rest of South Africa's winter months to remain below levels initially assumed when the utility finalised its base case for the high-demand season (see graphic above), while it is also beginning to report improved generation performance at some of its coal stations. When Eskom unveiled its winter outlook on May 18, it warned that it might be forced to resort to Stage 8 loadshedding (representing 16 hours of cuts in a 32-hour cycle) should it fail to cap coal plant breakdowns to below 15 000 MW and should demand spike on the back of colder temperatures, particularly in Gauteng. Eskom's Eric Shunmagum reports that there have been favourable developments on both fronts, with demand having moderated from the 33 000 MW peak experienced in late May and supply having also improved from both Eskom and renewables plants. The May peak preceded the implementation of the winter tariff, implemented on large energy intensive businesses as from June 1. Shunmagum says Eskom has not yet calculated the full effect of the winter tariff but estimates that demand is likely to have dropped by between 850 MW and 1 000 MW as a result of large industrial plants having shut down in line with the introduction of the tariff. The utility is also pursuing a demand-side management campaign through which it hopes to shave a further 1 000 MW from consumption over the coming few months. He stresses, however, that the main reason for the current deviation from the winter demand base case is attributable to weather conditions which have also supported the availability of some renewables generators. The wind fleet in particular, has performed strongly during recent cold fronts, supplying up to 2 000 MW during evening peaks on certain days. While Gauteng could still face a cold snap, which could drive up demand significantly, the utility is nevertheless expecting peak demand to remain below the base case peak forecast outlined in May for the rest of the winter period to September. The utility's latest peak demand forecast does not show demand rising above 32 000 MW again this winter. Shunmagum stresses, however, that there have also been improvements on the supply side, with unit breakdowns, which were trending at between 18 500 MW and 19 000 MW in May, currently trending between 14 500 MW and 16 000 MW. “So, there's at least a 3 000 MW improvement on breakdowns,” he states. Ahead of winter, the generation division outlined a goal of sustaining breakdowns to below 15 000 MW and of capping planned outages to below 3 000 MW to limit loadshedding, as well as the use of diesel at the open cycle gas turbines. “There has definitely been an improvement in generation performance,” he says, reporting particularly pleasing turnarounds at Tutuka, Duvha, Kendal and Majuba. On the supply-side, Eskom has also welcomed the decision by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment to grant Kusile a postponement in meeting sulphur dioxide minimum emission standards. The postponement means that Eskom will be able to operate temporary stacks at the three units rendered inoperable after the Unit 1 flue duct collapsed on October 23, owing to a build-up of slurry. The collapse also compromised the unit 2 and 3 flue ducts, which share a chimney with the Unit 1 flue. Under the updated Atmospheric Emission Licence, Kusile will be able to bypass the flue gas desulphurisation plant until March 31, 2025 and resume output using temporary stacks that will be returned to service in November (Unit 3) and December (Unit 1 and Unit 2). The units will not be introduced at full load of about 720 MW, however, and will produce at about 520 MW apiece while employing the temporary stacks. The utility is planning to complete repairs to the ducts in the permanent stack by December 2024.

The Department of Environmental Affairs recently gave permission for Eskom to operate three of Kusile's generation units without a flue-gas desulfurisation unit. With the predictions of high stages of loadshedding throughout the winter months, most of us surely feel that Kusile should be up and running - we can worry about clean air later. One understands the necessity of electricity supply and protection of the economy and jobs, but we must not think that it is without cost. This episode is supported by the Bureau for Economic Research in Stellenbosch and the NWU Business School.

Die departement van omgewingsake het onlangs toestemming gegee dat Eskom drie van Kusile se opwekkingseenhede kan bedryf sonder die filters wat swaeldioksiedbesoedeling verminder. Met die voorspellings van hoë fases van beurtkrag deur die winternmaande voel meeste van ons sekerlik dat Kusile maar moet loop – ons kan later oor skoon lug bekommerd wees. Mens verstaan die noodsaak van elektrisiteitsvoorsiening en beskerming van die ekonomie en werke, maar ons moet nie dink dit is sonder koste nie. Hierdie episode word ondersteun deur die Buro vir Ekonomiese Ondersoek in Stellenbosch en die NWU Sakeskool.

Die Westminster-landdroshof in Londen het beslis ten gunste van die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Vervolgingsgesag, dat die voortvlugtige, Michael Lomas, wat by Eskom-korrupsie betrek word, aan Suid-Afrika uitgelewer kan word. Lomas word verbind met die Kusile-bedrog- en korrupsiesaak van 745 miljoen Suid-Afrikaanse rand. Die NVG se woordvoerder, Sindisiwe Seboka, sê die ondersoekdirekteur, Andrea Johnson, is verheug dat die NVG ná ‘n twee jaar lange stryd uiteindelik vir Lomas in Suid-Afrika kan laat teregstaan.

Last week DA leader John Steenhuisen's proposed oversight trip to the disastrous Kusile power station was blocked by security guards on the instruction of ANC cabinet member Pravin Gordhan. Kusile was approved in 2007 as an eight-year project slated to cost R80bn. Now, 15 years later, it has cost over R200bn and only two of its six generation units are actually working. In this fascinating interview with Alec Hogg of BizNews, the SA's Parliamentary Leader of the Opposition shares the back story of the oversight visit that never was, offers some suggestions to his political opponents (hint: Thailand) – and explains what a DA government would be doing about Eskom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest: Chris Yelland | Energy Analyst and MD at EE Business Intelligence  On Wednesday, Eskom said that the flue gas duct at Unit 1 of the Mpumalanga power station "failed" in two places on October 23. Energy analyst and director at EE Business Intelligence (Pty) Ltd Chris Yelland joins us to discuss the implications of the latest blow to the power station.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eskom sê beurtkrag sal om middernag tot fase 5 verminder word. Die nutsdiens se woordvoerder, Sikonathi Mantshantsa, sê 'n eenheid elk by Camden-, Kriel-, Kusile- en Kendal-kragstasies is weer in werking. Mantshantsha sê 'n eenheid by Duvha moes egter afgeskakel word weens 'n ketelbuislek.

Guest: Nkosikhona Duma, EWN Reporter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eskom het aangekondig die land skuif vanaf vyf-uur vanmiddag tot tien-uur vanaand na fase 4-beurtkrag. 'n Woordvoerder, Sikonathi Mantshantsha, sê 'n verdere verlies aan opwekkingsvermoë het tot die toename gelei. Mantshantsha sê Eenheid 2 van die Kusile-kragstasie het vroeër vanmiddag onklaar geraak en al word die eenheid weer in diens gestel, sal dit eers gedurende die nag weer ten volle in werking wees.

Loadshedding has crippled South Africa's economy for over 14 years. In this episode of the Solutions With David Ansara podcast, I speak with energy analyst, Ted Blom, about how to end South Africa's ongoing energy crisis. Ted and I speak about his time working at Eskom and the origins of the energy utility's financial, operational and governance problems. We discuss the prospects for private electricity generation in South Africa, the limitations of renewable energy, and the potential for nuclear power. We conclude the discussion by exploring strategies that businesses and private individuals can take to ensure greater energy independence. TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Introduction (00:49) Ted Blom on his career at Eskom (02:19) Ted Blom on the origins of SA's energy crisis (12:55) Ted Blom on Eskom's financial and operational problems (16:10) Ted Blom on the Medupi and Kusile power stations (18:11) Ted Blom on challenging Eskom's monopoly (28:31) Ted Blom on renewable energy (34:02) Ted Blom on energy policy reform (37:15) Ted Blom on floating electricity prices (42:59) Ted Blom on nuclear energy (49:57) Ted Blom on achieving energy independence (52:08) Conclusion

On the latest business news, we talk about Eskom's new Kusile power station, Tyme Bank signing it's 3 millionth customer and the fall in Huawei's Quarterly Sales. We talk to Lebo Phasha on The Business Wrap who gives us more insight on the latest business news. The Buffalo Index looks at what your R100 can get you in shares. The COVID business watch looks into how different industries and sectors have been affected by Covid-19, and this week features Tatenda Chikombero, the founder of The Bottom Line Forum. On the main topic we talk about investment education, Ralph Speirs, who is a CSI officer and part of the JSE Investment Challenge team talks to us about the annual JSE Investment challenge. Later on, we talk to Munya Chingono, Founder of Finforum, a financial education platform, about the importance of financial education and literacy. wits.journalism.co.za