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Outa, others welcome termination of State of Disaster for electricity

The government has terminated, with immediate effect, the National State of Disaster declared by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on February 9. In a statement, the Department of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) says the State of Disaster was a necessary response to the impact of critical levels of load shedding on the economy and vulnerable sectors such as health and small businesses.
April 5, 2023 by

Controversial Eskom exemption withdrawn ‘for now’

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana told MPs on Wednesday that he has decided to withdraw the exemption of Eskom from the Public Finance Management Act “for now” to have further consultation with the auditor-general and Eskom’s auditors.  A special government gazette issued by Godongwana on Friday exempted Eskom from reporting in its annual financial statements on wasteful and irregular expenditure that did not arise from corruption.
April 5, 2023 by

2023 Energy Investment Village open for pitches

The Green Energy Africa Summit (GEAS) has announced the launch of the 2023 Energy Investment Village (EIV), a deal-pitching event for African clean-tech starts-ups and energy projects. The EIV is now open for entries from emerging African energy businesses and will culminate in a Lion’s Den-type pitching event during the GEAS to be held in Cape Town on October 11.
April 4, 2023 by

Treasury assures transparency, accountability not compromised with Eskom’s financial exemption

Following backlash after a special government gazette was issued by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana on Friday, which revealed that Eskom would be exempt from declaring its irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure, Treasury has asserted that transparency and accountability are not compromised with the move. Godongwana has granted a partial exemption to the ailing power utility from disclosing irregular spending in its annual financial statements, for three years.
April 4, 2023 by

Absa to offer its SME clients grants to help them fund solar energy installations

South African banking and investment services group Absa has announced that it is making R50-million available to provide solar energy grants to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that are its clients. More specifically, the grants will be offered to SMEs whose commercial properties are financed by the bank. “SMEs make a significant contribution to job creation and economic growth in South Africa,” pointed out Absa Relationship Banking SME Business managing executive Ronnie Mbatsane. “However, in many instances, the operating environment over the past few years has made it very difficult for these vital enablers to grow and thrive.”
April 3, 2023 by

Absa to offer its SME clients grants to help them fund solar energy installations

South African banking and investment services group Absa has announced that it is making R50-million available to provide solar energy grants to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that are its clients. More specifically, the grants will be offered to SMEs whose commercial properties are financed by the bank. “SMEs make a significant contribution to job creation and economic growth in South Africa,” pointed out Absa Relationship Banking SME Business managing executive Ronnie Mbatsane. “However, in many instances, the operating environment over the past few years has made it very difficult for these vital enablers to grow and thrive.”
April 3, 2023 by

Eskom hands hydropower plants back to Uganda as concession ends

Following the end of the Eskom Uganda Limited (EUL) concession on March 31, Eskom has assured that a smooth transfer of assets and interests to State-owned Uganda Electricity Generation Company has taken place.

The EUL came to its natural end after being established in 2002, involving the operation and maintenance of the Kiira and Nalubaale hydroelectric power stations for 20 years.

April 3, 2023 by

Eskom hands hydropower plants back to Uganda as concession ends

Following the end of the Eskom Uganda Limited (EUL) concession on March 31, Eskom has assured that a smooth transfer of assets and interests to State-owned Uganda Electricity Generation Company has taken place.

The EUL came to its natural end after being established in 2002, involving the operation and maintenance of the Kiira and Nalubaale hydroelectric power stations for 20 years.

April 3, 2023 by

Cape Town issues largest energy tender to date at 500 MW

In continuing its pursuit of becoming largely independent from the national grid, the City of Cape Town has announced it is issuing its largest energy tender to date at 500 MW.

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is confident the city will be the first metro to break free from Eskom’s hold, while ensuring meaningful economic growth and investment in the city.

April 3, 2023 by