Author Archives: The Guardian

Committee questions NERSA on impact of tariff increase for consumers 

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

7 March 2025- The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy was briefed by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) on the reasons for its decision on Eskom’s Multi-Year Price Determination 6 (MYPD6) Revenue Application. Briefing the committee, NERSA outlined the rationale behind its decisions, emphasising the need to balance Eskom’s financial sustainability with the economic pressures facing consumers.

The presentation highlighted that Eskom originally requested a staggering 57% increase in tariffs over three years. However, after thorough evaluations and consultations, NERSA approved a significantly reduced increase of 24.3%.  

NERSA said it considered its decision within the broader context of ensuring affordability for consumers while enabling Eskom to address its operational challenges effectively.

The Chairperson of the Committee, Nonkosi Mvana said they have expressed significant concerns about the implications of tariff increases on consumers and the broader economy. Mvana said the members highlighted the historical pattern of tariff hikes and their adverse effects on economic activity, seeking clarification on how NERSA plans to ensure that future increases do not unduly burden vulnerable households and small businesses.

“Additionally, there were worries that the tariff increases might stem from mismanagement at Eskom. Some committee members voiced scepticism about Eskom’s ability to effectively utilise the funds generated from these increases, pointing to past inefficiencies and corruption.

“In response, NERSA explained that the approved increases are contingent upon Eskom meeting specific performance targets and operational efficiency benchmarks. The regulator assured the committee that it would closely monitor Eskom’s financial management and operational practices to ensure that any additional revenue is directed towards improving service delivery and reducing load shedding,” she said.

Mvana further said the energy regulator emphasised its commitment to conducting thorough economic impact assessments prior to approving any tariff adjustments. She added that NERSA noted that the approved increases were based on careful consideration of operational costs, maintenance needs and performance targets for Eskom.

“Additionally, NERSA recognised the necessity for enhanced accountability and oversight, reaffirming its intention to monitor Eskom’s compliance with established performance standards diligently. Another significant question raised by the committee involved the integration of independent power producers (IPPs) into the energy landscape and how this would affect future pricing.

“Members expressed concerns about the potential costs associated with integrating renewable energy sources and whether these costs would be passed on to consumers. NERSA assured the committee that while IPPs will contribute to diversifying the energy mix, careful planning and regulation will be essential to manage costs effectively,” said Mvana.

She said committee members inquired whether NERSA is considering any changes to the existing regulatory framework to better address Eskom’s challenges and those of the energy sector as a whole. Mvana said in response, NERSA said the evolving landscape of the energy market, continuous policy review will be required.

“Furthermore, NERSA stressed that any amendments would only be made after careful consideration of the long-term implications for both Eskom and consumers. The discussion also touched on the issue of the gas/coal problem, particularly with regard to the integration of gas as a transitional fuel in South Africa’s energy mix.

“Committee members raised questions about the implications of relying on gas while also managing coal dependencies. NERSA recognised the complexity of this issue, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to energy generation that considers both environmental sustainability and economic viability,” she said.

Mvana said regarding the negotiated pricing agreements between Eskom and large industrial users, committee members questioned the fairness of these agreements in the context of rising tariffs for ordinary consumers. She said the energy regulator reiterated that such agreements are governed by the electricity pricing policy and said that it will continue to review these contracts to ensure they align with South Africa’s broader economic goals.

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Kgetsi ya polao e buseditswe morago

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Setshwantsho-papiso: Setopo sa motho se bonwe ke mapodisi

Ka OBAKENG MAJE

7 Mopitlwe 2025- Kgetsi ya polao kgatlhanong le monna wa kwa motse-setoropong wa Utlwanang, gaufi le Christina, e buseditswe morago go fitlha di 10 Moranang 2025. Molatofadiwa, George “Bees” Kgalaki (50), one a tlhageletse kwa kgotlhatshekelo ya Christiana ka boripana, mabapi le polao.

Se se tla morago ga go bonwa ga setopo sa ga Elizabeth Makanase Tukula (47) kwa matlakaleng, gaufi le lebala la metshameko la kwa Chrisitiana. Go ya ka sebueledi sa sepodisi mo sedikeng sa Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, Warrant Officer Tryphosa van Rooyen, setopo sa ga Tukula, se bonwe ke bana fa bane ba tshameka.

Van Rooyen are lekau la ga Tukula, le ile la tshwarwa, mme le tlhageletse kwa kgotlha-tshekelo.

“Setopo sa ga Tukula se bonwe ka Labobedi beke e e fetileng, fela mokola ene o tshwerwe ka Laboraro. Dipatlisiso di supa fa moswi a kgwageditswe ka terata,” van Rooyen wa tlhalosa.

Kgabagare, Kgakali yo o ileng a bolelela lekgotlha gore ene o tla ipuelela mo kgetsi e, one a fetola mogopolo, mme a kopa mmueledi wa puso. Dipatlisiso di tswelela mo kgetsi.

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Have you seen them?

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Picture: Police looking for four people of interest/Supplied  

By REGINALD KANYANE

7 March 2025- The Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation is seeking public’ assistance in locating Mckevin Ayanda Dormithiene (46), Nkosingiphile Fortune Mahlangu (25), Gift Chilambe (21) and Thando Fakude (29), as they can help the police in resolving a fraud and money laundering case. The complainant alleges that during April 2022, his company was defrauded by two companies, Power Magnet International Procurement Pty (Ltd) and Cargo Freight Company.

The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said, these entities were willing to sell, package fine sunflower oil, and export to Spain from Springbok Airport. Mnisi said a total amount of 34.069 USD (R521 135.95) was paid to the said entities, and the fine sunflower oil was never delivered.

“The investigation by the team established that the money was paid into a bank account, belonging to Pabith Group Trader, and was later transferred to different companies, Luno accounts and different cell phone numbers. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Lt Col Breedt at 082 302 0467 Warrant Officer Mosienyane at 071 351 7410.

“Alternatively, anonymous tip-offs can be reported via Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App. All information will be treated confidentially, and callers may remain anonymous,” she said.

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DA: ‘Focus on jobs and growth in Northern Cape requires greater urgency’

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Picture: The Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul

By BAKANG MOKOTO

6 March 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Northern Cape said the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, must address growth and jobs in the province with even greater speed. The DA provincial leader, Harold McGluwa, who is also a Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL) in Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, said they have noted Saul’s announcement of the 60 000 jobs master plan in his State of the Province Address (SOPA) today.

McGluwa further said they welcome all initiatives that can take the four out of every ten people in this province from unemployment and poverty into jobs. He added that it is high time that they see the maximum potential of fisheries formally unleashed.

“We anticipate that the upgraded Upington airport must become a central transport hub. The long overdue upgrade of our power grid through the mentioned Eskom investment will also be a gamechanger for renewable energy and the green economy and must be stubbornly pursued.

“We do, however, urge Saul to move with greater speed. He has only four years left to change course from a poor, broken province, to a thriving and vibrant provincial economy,” said McGluwa.

He said they want to see the province capitalizing more on the state-owned construction company, in conjunction with provincial and national Public Works, to transform the provincial landscape, and especially the capital city of Kimberley, into a massive construction site with the R2,5 billion investment into water infrastructure. McGluwa said Saul must also guard against turning the state into a giant employment agency and must ensure that ongoing insourcing initiatives are properly budgeted for and sustainable in the long-term, to avoid a potential salary-induced debt crisis in the future.

“On the services front, much more must be done to stabilize the health department, starting with the overdue appointment of a fit-for-purpose Head of Department and decisive action against corrupt officials, who are robbing the poor and vulnerable of health care.

“Improved financial management must also be prioritised in Education, to mitigate the current funding crisis facing schools across the province,” he said.

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SAPS maintained law and order during SOPA in Kimberley  

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Picture: The police in Northern Cape during SOPA/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

6 March 2025- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in together with other law enforcement agencies and private security, said they ensured the safety of all guests and attendees at the Northern Cape State of the Province Address (SOPA), that was held at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley on 6 March 2025.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, his entourage and other distinguished guests, were formally welcomed by a procession consisting of the SAPS Provincial Band, the Drill Platoon and the Mounted Unit. Ehlers said law enforcement agencies led by the SAPS, were mobilised to heighten police visibility in order to prevent and combat any form of opportunistic crimes before, during and post the address.

“The multi-disciplinary deployment of law enforcement and a zero-tolerance approach ensured the absence of any serious incidents and disruptions,” she said.

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A nurse arrested for allegedly raping a boy

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By REGINALD KANYANE

6 March 2025- A male nurse from Duduza, who allegedly raped a boy (17) and sexual assaulted a man (19), was denied bail by the Nigel Magistrate’s Court. It is alleged that in August 2023, the boy was admitted at Springs Netcare Private Hospital for a medical procedure, where he met the accused who was employed as a nurse.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said, during his stay at the hospital, it is alleged that the accused made advances towards the boy. Mahanjana said the boy was later discharged from the hospital because his medical aid was depleted, and he was unable to continue with his stay at the hospital. 

“However, the accused allegedly promised to continue caring for the boy and bring him medication at his home until he fully recovered. After the boy was discharged from the hospital, it is alleged that the accused would visit him at his home and bring him medication. 

“When it was time for him to leave, he would ask the boy to accompany him in his car and drive with him to a nearby veld, where he would sexually assault him.  On two occasions, while at the veld in his car, the accused allegedly raped the boy,” she said.

Mahanjana further said this was discovered when community members, who would jog at the veld, noticed the accused car parked with him and different boys on different occasions. She added that, on 12 February 2025, the community members confronted the accused, asking him what he was doing with different boys. 

“The community members then called the police. The boy and the accused were then taken to the police station, where he was arrested. At the police station, the boy reported what was happening. 

“While at the police station, another boy came forward and reported that he, too, was sexually assaulted by the accused. In court, the accused asked to be released on bail because he needed to work to support his child,” said Mahanjana.  

She said the accused told the court that he was in a love relationship with the boy (17). Mahanjana said the prosecutor, Tumelo Madisha, opposed the application, arguing that the nurse exploited the boy’s vulnerable situation stemming from his inability to afford ongoing medical care.

“Madisha told the court that the accused was a flight risk because he failed to provide an alternative address,” she said.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Rakesh Chitradow, agreed with the state that the accused was a flight risk and he said he did not find any exceptional circumstances warranting his release on bail. Chitradow said, therefore, bail was denied and the case was postponed to 31 March 2025, for further investigations.

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Police request assistance in identifying a man who was killed in a ‘hit-and-run’ accident

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By BAKANG MOKOTO

6 March 2025- The police in Hopetown are investigating a culpable homicide after the body of an unknown man was discovered on the R369 road during the early hours of the morning on 5 March 2025, approximately 53km between Hopetown and Petrusville. The deceased person is approximately 30 years old, and preliminary investigations indicate that he may have been involved in a hit-and-run accident.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said the deceased was wearing a light green golf T-shirt with blue jeans and a black jersey with black Nike tekkies. Shemane said he had a black backpack with him, which contained a 1.5 liter empty Coke bottle and an empty lunchbox.

“No identification was found on him. He could not understand English or Afrikaans and passed away on the scene. The police do not have any information regarding his identity and therefore request the assistance of the public in identifying the deceased.

“Anyone with information regarding the accident is urged to visit Hopetown SAPS or contact Detective Warrant Officer Phillip Kleynhans at 082 924 6186 or call Crime Stop number, on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App. All information received will be treated confidentially,” he said.

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Several suspects nabbed for various crimes during Operation Vala Umgodi

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Picture: Police patrolling the mining dumps/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

6 March 2025- Five suspects were arrested separately for various offenses during Operation Vala Umgodi. A foreign national (27), was arrested for dealing in drugs in Greenpoint, near Kimberley.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the suspect will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs. Sam said another suspect (55), was arrested in Lerato Park, for possession of drugs.

“The team further arrested three suspects aged 30, 40 and 47 respectively, at the Otties Koppies Mining Dumps for illegal mining, as well as tresspassing. Drugs including dagga, mandrax and tik as well as several mining implements were confiscated during these operations.

“Two suspects were detained and fined for riotous behaviour and contravening the Road Traffic Management Act. The Northern Cape multi-disciplinary Operation Vala Umgodi team tasked to combat illicit mining activities, will continue to execute these actions,” he said.

Sam further said these suspects will appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon. He added that, if community members see something, they should say something.

“Report illegal mining to the SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111,” said Sam.

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A man sentenced to five years for statutory rape

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By REGINALD KANYANE

6 March 2025- A man (18) was sentenced to five years imprisonment (suspended for five years) by the Kakamas Magistrate’s Court for statutory rape. In October 2024, a concerned mother reported a case of statutory rape to Kakamas SAPS upon discovery that, the accused had sexual relations with her minor daughter.

The ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sgt Omphile Masegela said the accused was charged by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit, and investigations revealed that the accused had a sexual relationship with the girl (14), while aware of her age. 

“The management in the ZFM District welcomed the sentencing and applauded the commendable investigation by Constable Chatel Beukes of Kakamas FCS Unit and Prosecutor Twane,” said Masegela.

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SA needs R440 billion for transmission development

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6 March 2025

Minister Ramokgopa at the 17th Africa Energy Indaba.

South Africa requires upwards of R440 billion in the next 10 years to expand its transmission infrastructure, says Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

Addressing the Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town on Tuesday, the Minister said the country’s transmission development plans have identified the need to modernise and expand the grid for 14 000 kilometres in the next 10 years.

“This is going to require an enormous amount of investment. The fiscus won’t be able to carry that. The Eskom balance sheet is not sufficient, so it is important to find bespoke financing instruments to make this possible,” the Minister said.

He called on financial actors to actively take steps to significantly lower the cost of borrowing for the investment of the continent’s development, climate resilience and clean energy transition initiatives.

“We expect the increase in electricity trade volumes to grow by about 300% by 2040 and by that time, the projection is that Africa’s population will be at about two billion people from the current 1.5 billion. For us to be able to achieve this level of ambition, there are huge investments that are required.

“One of the studies done by some of the… organisations suggests that Africa will need upwards of R2.6 trillion in investments in the energy sector by 2040. The pool of financing is enormous. Even if you had to consolidate the balance sheet of the continent, I don’t think we are going to get anywhere near raising this money.

“That is why it is important that we are able to design a financing instrument for us to be able to achieve this level of ambition,” Ramokgopa said.

He expressed support for a single electricity market on the continent, as advocated for by the the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“We think that the ambitions of achieving a single electricity market on the continent is not far-fetched .For us to have universal access by 2063, as advocated for in Agenda 2063, which makes a point that we can achieve that through regional integration… there has to be significant investment on interconnectivity,” the Minister said.

With South Africa hosting the Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency, Ramokgopa outlined the G20 technical energy group priorities, which include energy security and forging reliable and affordable access; achieving just, affordable and inclusive energy transitions, as well as African connectivity and energy pools.

These priorities were canvassed through the platform of the African Union.

According to Ramokgopa, 43% of the total population in Africa does not have access to electricity.

“This is a big issue. Before you can talk about transitioning, people need to have access to whatever form of electricity, irrespective of the fuel sources.

“As a country and the continent, we bear the responsibility to ensure that we are able to provide this access in a manner that doesn’t degrade the environment and keep to our obligations to ensure that we reduce the greenhouse gas emissions, although we contribute less than 2.5% of the CO2 emissions. Going into the future, gas will still be part of the mix on the continent,” the Minister said.

Focus on just transition

South Africa’s G20 Presidency will elevate the issue of just, affordable and inclusive energy transitions.

“That is important because we are of the opinion that there is no single transition. Any transition should take into account the unique circumstances of individual countries, and the pace and scale that they can afford.

“We will be meeting with the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) and are hoping that the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) will be release to the public soon. The plan will explain how we see the transitions unfold in the country,” Ramokgopa said.

South Africa’s G20 Presidency is the fourth consecutive emerging market Presidency, and it is also the first African Presidency.

It commenced on 1 December 2024 and all engagements are being held under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.

The year-long deliberations will culminate in a G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2025.

The G20 was established to tackle pressing global economic and financial issues. Together, G20 members account for around 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade. 

It comprises 19 countries and two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union.

The grouping plays a critical role in influencing global policy making and fostering global economic stability. – SAnews.gov.za

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