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MoU to promote sustainable development

Source: Government of South Africa

An agreement to enhance collaboration in research, capacity building, and knowledge sharing in science, technology, and innovation (STI) to promote sustainable development.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre for South-South Cooperation (ISTIC), in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the National Research Foundation (NRF).
The NRF is an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The organisations said that this move marks a significant milestone in South-South cooperation.

UNESCO is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) that aims to promote peace and security through international cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.

ISTIC is a leading international platform offering sustainable programmes and services in producing holistic talents towards institutional excellence and augmenting sustainable development for South-South Cooperation.

The MoU was signed by Dr Nare Prudence Makhura, the Executive Director of International Grants and Partnerships at the NRF, during a high-level ceremony in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. 

Also present were senior officials, researchers, and partners from both countries.

“This strategic partnership aims to facilitate collaborative research, enhance capacity-building for early- and mid-career researchers in the Global South, and promote the exchange of knowledge, scientific expertise, and innovation.”

Areas of focus include water, health, climate change, artificial intelligence, and other mutually beneficial fields aligned with national and global priorities.

“This partnership reaffirms our shared commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable development through science, technology and innovation,” said Director of ISTIC, Tengku Sharizad Tengku Dahlan. 
“Together, ISTIC and NRF will create opportunities for co-creation, knowledge exchange, and impactful joint initiatives across the Global South.”

NRF’s Director of International Grants and Partnerships, Michael Nxumalo, stated that through this MoU, the organisation aims to encourage not only research collaboration but also stronger connections between institutions and scientific communities.

“We look forward to nurturing a robust ecosystem of innovation and excellence,” Nxumalo added. 
The agreement includes provisions for joint calls for research proposals, workshops, symposia, and the joint development of knowledge products. 

“It also sets the stage for future project-specific agreements and the joint mobilisation of resources to support priority initiatives.” 

Meanwhile, the leaders said the ISTIC–NRF MoU reinforces the importance of international cooperation in addressing complex global challenges and demonstrates how institutions from the Global South can lead in shaping a more equitable and knowledge-driven future. – SAnews.gov.za

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AI advancements must not leave developing nations behind 

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and rapid technological advancements are changing the global economic landscape, but policymakers must ensure that this shift does not deepen inequality or leave developing nations behind.

This is according to Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago who addressed the third G20 Finance Ministers and Central Banks Governors meeting held in Zimbali, Kwa-Zulu Natal on Thursday.

“[AI]…represents a significant turning point in the global economic landscape. Governors have just come out of a very insightful side event on the implications of AI for productivity and labour markets. What is clear is that, if harnessed effectively, AI has the potential to revive productivity growth and improve living standards.

“However, as policymakers, our challenge is not simply to catch up but to ensure that this shift does not deepen inequality or destabilise already fragile labour markets. Getting the balance right between innovation and inclusion will be one of the defining policy imperatives of our time,” he said.

The Governor noted that for emerging markets and developing economies “the stakes are especially high”
“In Africa, for instance, the working age population is expanding rapidly and according to the African Development Bank, the continent could potentially unlock up to $1 trillion in productivity gains by 2035.

But only if we close critical gaps in data, digital infrastructure, skills and capital access,” the governor said.
Kganyago emphasised that as G20 countries “we carry a unique responsibility to shape a global recovery that is not only resilient, but also inclusive and forward looking”.

“This means deepening policy coordination, advancing structural reforms, investing in economies to adapt to compete and to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. It also means that ensuring that the gains of technological progress are broadly shared and to the benefit of all.

“The choices we make during these times of heightened uncertainty will shape the future of global economic cooperation.” – SAnews.gov.za

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Drugs, sharp objects and cash confiscated at Pollsmoor prison

Source: Government of South Africa

Drugs, sharp objects and cash are among the items discovered during a successful multidisciplinary search operation conducted at the Pollsmoor Correctional Facility in the Western Cape.

The Wednesday evening operation focused on the Remand Section of the facility and involved an intensive search of remand detainees and sentenced offenders working in the kitchen area. 

Over 800 inmates were searched in a carefully coordinated intervention designed to rid the facility of illegal contraband and restore institutional discipline. 

The National Commissioner of Correctional Services, Makgothi Thobakgale, led the sweeping operation which resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of prohibited items, demonstrating the ongoing challenges posed by illicit activities within correctional centres. 

Among the items confiscated were: 

• 119 cellphones

• 74 cellphone chargers

• 50 cable chargers

• 41 cellphone batteries

• 34 sim cards

• 81 sharp objects

• 37 dagga pipes

• 305 packets of dagga (totaling 854.80 grams)

• 36 mandrax tablets (approximately 50 grams)

• Tik packets (34.00 grams)

• Cash amounting to R363.60

• Various other contraband items.

“The operation was executed with precision and professionalism by a combined team of 124 Emergency Support Team (EST) members from Correctional Services, supported by 23 officials from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and seven officers from the Metro Police. 

“The collaborative nature of this initiative affirms the department’s commitment to working closely with law enforcement partners to combat the smuggling and possession of contraband inside correctional centres,” said the Department of Correctional Services.

The National Commissioner emphasised the strategic importance of sustained search operations, particularly in high-risk areas such as the Remand Section. 

“These operations are not only necessary but vital. They reinforce our resolve to run safe, secure, and rehabilitative correctional environments where the environment is conducive for correction, development, and reformation.” 

He reiterated that contraband not only undermines institutional security but also compromises the rehabilitation process of inmates. 

The department said it will continue to strengthen its internal security measures and deploy targeted interventions in identified hotspots across the country. 

“The success of the Pollsmoor operation sends a clear message that contraband has no place in our correctional centres, and the department will continue to act decisively to protect the integrity of the correctional system,” said the department. – SAnews.gov.za

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Eastern Cape government urges families to assist in search for flood victims

Source: Government of South Africa

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has called on families who are still searching for missing loved ones in the areas affected by last month’s catastrophic floods, to come forward with information to assist ongoing recovery efforts.

“Your information is vital to help rescue teams determine if any individuals are still unaccounted for and to continue their search efforts,” Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Zolile Williams, said during a media briefing on Wednesday.

Giving an update on the provincial disaster management response and recovery, Williams reported that the total number of people who lost their lives remains at 103, with 100 of them being positively identified and laid to rest with dignity.

“One child is still missing, and the rescue teams are still searching. Three bodies remain unclaimed, two of which have not been positively identified through the national population register.

“The deceased include five government employees, one educator and two nurses, as well as two firefighters from the Department of Transport,” Williams said.

Williams said the province has established a dedicated task team to assist bereaved families with the coordination of burial services support for all the deceased.

“Government burial support was provided ranging from death registrations with Home Affairs, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the Department of Education’s funeral support funding to families of deceased learners, distribution of groceries to needy families, [and] provision of burial services by AVBOB, as per need of the affected families,” Williams said.

Relief was also extended to survivors and families of the deceased through coordinated Social Relief of Distress (SRD) measures.

Over 1 300 displaced accommodated across centres 

The MEC announced that more than 1 353 displaced individuals have been accommodated across Mass Care Centres, while 122 are in Temporary Emergency Accommodation (TEA), prioritising the most vulnerable groups, with full access to healthcare, food, sanitation, dignity packs, mattresses, blankets, and school uniforms.

He said more than 6 869 households across the province were affected by the disaster, with 4 724 homes completely destroyed and 2 145 partially damaged.

In response, the Departments of Social Development, Health, Education, and the African Social Security Agency (SASSA), along with non-governmental organisations, such as Al Imdaad and Gift of the Givers, provided emergency relief to the affected families and individuals.

“Beneficiaries were issued SASSA food vouchers to alleviate immediate food insecurity. To date, more than 1 353 displaced individuals have been accommodated across Mass Care Centres and 122 in Temporary Emergency Accommodation, prioritising the most vulnerable groups, with full access to healthcare, food, sanitation, dignity packs, mattresses, blankets, and school uniforms.

“Numbers at Mass Care Centres are decreasing as people either seek shelter with their relatives or go back to their houses as they become habitable. Additionally, over 2 900 beneficiaries have received psychosocial support and dignity services through mobile teams and social workers deployed across the hardest-hit areas,” the MEC said.

The Department of Home Affairs has mobilised to assist disaster survivors in rebuilding their lives.

A total of 1 197 ID card applications have been received and are being processed, while 103 birth certificate applications have been finalised, with 22 certificates already collected by applicants. One hundred deaths certificates have also been registered and issued.

Recovery and resilience plan underway 

Despite the challenges, the MEC confirmed that recovery plans are well underway. A key focus is on a multi-pronged approach to rebuilding and improving the province’s resilience.

“Infrastructure reconstruction will be prioritised and aligned with risk reduction principles, ensuring greater resilience against future disasters. For the next two-three months, it is critical for government to have made strides in the implementation of infrastructure repair projects.

“The provincial government is also intensifying climate resilience planning and strengthening institutional capacity, including the debriefing and support of frontline responders, to ensure readiness and sustainability in future disaster responses,” Williams said.

The province is also in engagement with potential partners to build the much-needed capacity.

“While we support the victims of this disaster to rebuild their lives, it is equally important that we continue debriefing of teams that are involved in our response and recovery project. We remain indebted to these teams for the work they are doing,” Williams said. – SAnews.gov.za

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SABC marks 75 years of public service journalism

Source: Government of South Africa

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Government has congratulated the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) as its news division marks 75 years of public service journalism. 

“Since its inception in 1950, SABC News has played a critical role in informing, educating and empowering citizens across the country.

“Over the decades, SABC News has evolved alongside South Africa’s democracy, covering the country’s most defining moments, from the struggle for liberation to the birth of a democratic State, and beyond.

“Its continued commitment to accessible and balanced reporting has cemented its role as a trusted source of information for millions of people in our country,” said government in a statement.

Government has also paid tribute to veteran journalist and International News Editor, Sophie Mokoena, who signs off from the public broadcaster after 31 years of outstanding service to SABC News and the nation. 

“Mokoena’s reporting brought South Africans closer to the world and made global news more accessible and relevant to South African audiences. We commend her immense contribution to public broadcasting and wish her well in her future endeavours,” said the statement issued by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). – SAnews.gov.za

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Renforcement de la qualité de soins de santé à Porto-Novo : Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Départemental (CHUD) Ouémé se modernise avec une unité de scannographie de pointe

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Ministre de la santé, Professeur Benjamin HOUNKPATIN, a procédé à l’inauguration de l’unité de scannographie du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Départemental de l’Ouémé. La cérémonie officielle de mise en service de cet équipement moderne a eu lieu le mercredi 16 juillet 2025 en présence du Préfet de l’Ouémé, Dr Marie AKPOTROSSOU et du Maire de Porto-Novo, Monsieur Charlemagne YANKOTY. 

L’imposant équipement tourne désormais à plein régime. Ce scanner de 64 barrettes/128 coupes est une pépite. Ses atouts sont pluriels et sa précision dans le diagnostic, inégalée. Dans son discours liminaire, le directeur de l’hôpital, Dr Philéas HOUNNOU a présenté quelques spécificités de ce bijou sorti d’usine. « C’est un scanner de marque GE 64 barrettes/128 coupes intégrant une option cardiaque pour les explorations coronariennes. Il est doté de systèmes intelligents d’information radiologique et communicationnelle bidirectionnel verbal entre le personnel paramédical et le patient. C’est un outil d’imagerie médicale puissant et polyvalent qui offre une meilleure qualité d’image et une vitesse d’acquisition accrue », a-t-il souligné. 

Avec cet équipement ultramoderne, c’est un gain substantiel de temps pour le personnel soignant et les populations des départements de l’Ouémé et du Plateau. Dans son intervention, le Préfet de l’Ouémé a exprimé sa reconnaissance au Gouvernement pour son effort constant dans l’amélioration de la qualité des soins offerts aux populations. 

Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Départemental de l’Ouémé a entamé depuis quelques années, une transformation profonde en termes d’infrastructures et d’équipements. « Dans un passé récent, c’est la construction, l’équipement et la mise en service ici au CHUD Ouémé du service d’oncologie pédiatrique par la Fondation Claudine TALON qui prend en charge gratuitement plus de 200 cas de cancers infantiles. Il y a peu de temps, c’était la construction, l’équipement et la mise en service de l’unité de dialyse qui offre des soins quotidiens à plusieurs dizaines de malades, et la mise en place d’un VPSA, un appareil de production d’oxygène médical de grande capacité qui améliore la prise en charge des patients à moindre coût. Et aujourd’hui c’est la mise en service du scanner de l’hôpital », a déclaré le Ministre de la santé. 

Pour parachever ce processus de métamorphose en cours au CHUD Ouémé, il est annoncé le démarrage imminent des travaux de réhabilitation complète de l’hôpital. Le Ministre de la santé en a fait la promesse au cours de son intervention. « Demain, ce sera la réhabilitation complète du CHUD Ouémé pour en faire l’un des hôpitaux les plus modernes de notre pays. Le cabinet en charge des études, du contrôle technique et du suivi est d’ores et déjà choisi et les travaux vont démarrer dans les jours qui viennent », a fait savoir Professeur Benjamin HOUNKPATIN, Ministre de la santé.

Distribué par APO Group pour Gouvernement de la République du Bénin.

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Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento aprova financiamento para promover o acesso universal à energia no Ruanda

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

O Conselho de Administração do Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (www.AfDB.org) aprovou 173,84 milhões de euros para o programa de Financiamento Baseado em Resultados no Setor Energético do Ruanda (RBF II) para modernizar a rede eléctrica, expandir o acesso à energia limpa e reforçar a capacidade institucional. 

O Banco Asiático de Investimento em Infraestruturas concederá um montante adicional de 86,92 milhões de euros, elevando o valor total do programa para 260,76 milhões de euros.

Esta é a segunda operação do setor de energia baseada em resultados do Banco no Ruanda, após um programa de 305 milhões de dólares aprovado em setembro de 2018, o que demonstra a preferência do Ruanda por uma abordagem de financiamento baseada no desempenho para colmatar as lacunas nas infraestruturas de energia.

O programa RBF II está ancorado no Plano Estratégico do Setor da Energia do Ruanda (ESSP II 2024-2029) e visa melhorar a qualidade de vida dos residentes, impulsionar o crescimento económico e reduzir a pobreza através de investimentos específicos no setor da energia. 

Especificamente, o programa está centrado na obtenção de resultados em três áreas: modernização e ampliação da rede e dos sistemas de eletricidade; aumento do acesso à eletricidade dentro e fora da rede e a tecnologias de cozinha limpas; e reforço da capacidade técnica e institucional.

Ligará 200 mil agregados familiares e 850 clientes de uso produtivo à rede nacional, acrescentará 50 mil novas ligações eléctricas através de soluções fora da rede, fornecerá dispositivos de cozinha limpa a 100 mil agregados familiares e 310 instituições públicas, e instalará iluminação pública em 200 km de estradas em cidades secundárias do Ruanda.

O programa RBF II é um resultado fundamental no âmbito das cinco áreas estratégicas, conhecidas como High-5, do Banco: “Iluminar e eletrificar África” e “Melhorar a qualidade de vida das pessoas de África”. Além disso, contribuirá para o cumprimento da Iniciativa Missão 300 do Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento e do Banco Mundial para ligar 300 milhões de africanos à eletricidade até 2030.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contacto para os media:
Departamento de Comunicação e Relações Externas
media@afdb.org

Sobre o Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento:
O Grupo Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento é a principal instituição financeira de desenvolvimento em África. Inclui três entidades distintas: o Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento (AfDB), o Fundo Africano de Desenvolvimento (ADF) e o Fundo Fiduciário da Nigéria (NTF). Presente no terreno em 41 países africanos, com uma representação externa no Japão, o Banco contribui para o desenvolvimento económico e o progresso social dos seus 54 Estados-membros. Mais informações em www.AfDB.org

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Ministro da Família visita famílias beneficiárias do Programa de Inclusão Produtiva em Santa Cruz

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Ministro da Família, Inclusão e Desenvolvimento Social, Fernando Elísio Freire, realizou esta quarta-feira, 16 de julho, uma visita ao município de Santa Cruz para acompanhar de perto o impacto do Programa de Inclusão Produtiva nas famílias beneficiárias.

No terreno, o Ministro destacou que o objetivo da visita é avaliar os resultados concretos das políticas sociais implementadas. Segundo o governante, “Estamos aqui para ver o impacto positivo que o programa está a ter na vida das pessoas. São famílias que, com esforço próprio e apoio institucional, conseguiram iniciar ou reforçar os seus negócios, gerar rendimento e melhorar as suas condições de vida.”

O Programa de Inclusão Produtiva já beneficiou cerca de 2.000 famílias a nível nacional. Em Santa Cruz, são 74 famílias apoiadas diretamente. Para o Ministro, este programa é parte de uma estratégia mais ampla de combate à pobreza, com resultados visíveis.

“Hoje, a taxa de pobreza extrema em Cabo Verde está nos 2,8%, o valor mais baixo de sempre. Isto é resultado de políticas sociais assertivas, do crescimento económico e do foco nas pessoas que mais precisam”, sublinhou o Ministro.

Além do programa de inclusão produtiva, outras medidas sociais estão em curso no município e, atualmente, mais de 800 famílias beneficiam do Rendimento Social de Inclusão (RSI), mais de 1.000 famílias têm acesso a pensões sociais e mais de 2.000 famílias têm acesso à água e eletricidade através da tarifa social.

Para o Ministro, estes programas aumentam a autoestima e a ambição das famílias acompanhadas. “As pessoas sentem-se dignificadas. Dependem do seu próprio trabalho e agora querem crescer, investir mais, reforçar os seus negócios. Isso traduz-se numa mudança real na sua qualidade de vida.”, destacou o governante.

O Governo prevê alargar, nas próximas fases, o acesso a creches e jardins de infância, beneficiando milhares de crianças dos 0 aos 5 anos, reforçando o compromisso com a inclusão social desde a primeira infância.

“Estamos a trabalhar para eliminar a pobreza extrema em Cabo Verde. É um compromisso assumido e estamos a alcançar resultados concretos. O Cadastro Social Único é um instrumento eficaz e os resultados falam por si”, concluiu o Ministro.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Diretor Geral de Telecomunicações e Economia Digital destaca a necessidade de termos sistemas de alerta precoce através de sistemas de intervenção via satélite

Source: Africa Press Organisation – Portuguese –

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O Diretor Geral de Telecomunicações e Economia Digital afirmou que o objetivo da Conferência Africana de Navegação por Satélite – Pré-evento de Alto Nível 2025 é criar o despertar das autoridades e das várias estruturas críticas do país, relativamente à necessidade de termos sistemas de alerta precoce, particularmente através de sistemas de intervenção via satélite.

Milton Cabral fez essa declaração em conferência de imprensa, após a cerimónia de abertura da Conferência Africana de Navegação por Satélite – Pré-evento de Alto Nível 2025, com o tema: “Aproveitando a Tecnologia GNSS para o Reforço dos Sistemas de Alerta Precoce de Riscos Múltiplos (MHEWAS) em África”, que teve início, nesta quarta-feira, 16 de julho, no Parque Tecnológico Arquipélago Digital de Cabo Verde, na cidade da Praia.

Esta conferência servirá como um pré-evento para a planejada Conferência sobre Navegação por Satélite em África, a primeira do seu tipo, agendada para 2026 em Dakar, Senegal.

“Temos aqui conosco um conjunto de especialistas e um conjunto de entidades ligadas à indústria de satélite, precisamente para criar aqui um ambiente de partilha e troca de conhecimento e parcerias neste domínio”, afirmou o Diretor Geral de Telecomunicações e Economia.

Milton Cabral considera que a questão da prevenção de desastres deve ser analisada numa perspectiva do potencial que a tecnologia de navegação via satélite traz para que nós possamos monitorizar quase que em tempo real comportamentos climáticos e comportamentos da Terra.

“E esta tecnologia, como GNSS e GPS, permite-nos de uma certa forma tirar proveito de informações em tempo real que nós podemos ter acesso através da tecnologia satélite para prevenir e para ter um comportamento preventivo quando se fala em ações climáticas, nomeadamente tsunamis e eventos costeiros, que é precisamente aquilo que Cabo Verde está mais propenso”, referiu.

A perspectiva, segundo o mesmo, é que possam realmente estar a acompanhar através desta plataforma que estão a criar agora e que vai iniciar no próximo ano em Dakar e poderem com isto também tirar proveito de investimentos, financiamentos e parcerias que possam beneficiar Cabo Verde.

A abertura oficial da conferência foi feita pelo Ministro da Agricultura e Ambiente, Gilberto Silva, e contou com as intervenções da Embaixadora da União Europeia em Cabo Verde, Carla Grijó e do Diretor da SatNav Africa JPO, Semou Diouf, entre outros intervenientes.

Por sua vez, o Diretor da SatNav Africa JPO, Semou Diouf, destacou a relevância deste tema e mencionou que, com o SatNav África, pensaram em abordar o tema da navegação por satélite, uma tecnologia transversal a todas as outras, com o objetivo de explorar as possibilidades tecnológicas disponíveis, de modo que, embora não possam eliminar completamente os problemas climáticos, sejam capazes de responder com calma e garantir resiliência a esses desafios que estão além do controle humano.

“Este programa é um programa pan-africano gerido sob a cooperação entre África e Europa, inserido no Global Gateway. E nós, “na parte espacial, somos um dos componentes do Programa de Parceria Espacial entre a África e a União Europeia, criado há 10 anos. A primeira ação, conforme indicado pelo ministro da Agricultura e Ambiente, é desenvolver capacidade. Desenvolvemos capacidade com base em 10 especialistas recrutados de toda a África. Utilizamos comunidades econômicas regionais e conseguimos desenvolver um grupo de especialistas em cada país”, explicou.

Hoje, segundo afirmou, esses especialistas compreendem a navegação por satélite e também sabem o que pode ser usado na navegação por satélite. “Embora não possamos construir um sistema como o GPS ou o Galileo, podemos utilizar essas tecnologias para “sistemas de alerta precoce, aumentando a precisão e a integridade”.

A África optou por trabalhar em sistemas de amplificação, permitindo que sinais sejam usados, por exemplo, para pousos seguros em aeroportos ou em agricultura de precisão, referiu, Semou Diouf, indicando que um exemplo prático seria alertar pescadores em Cabo Verde sobre áreas proibidas, usando sinais diretos dos satélites.

“Essas tecnologias têm aplicações amplas, desde o setor marítimo até a direção autônoma, embora ainda estejamos distantes desse último. A conferência destacou desafios atuais que não conseguimos controlar, como eventos naturais. A natureza não pode ser mudada, e precisamos saber como controlar o impacto e socorrer as pessoas” em situações críticas. É fundamental lembrar que a navegação por satélite se aplica a todos os lugares, especialmente nos sistemas de alerta precoce”, concluiu.

A Conferência Africana de Navegação por Satélite – Pré-evento de Alto Nível 2025 que decorre de 16 a17 de julho, é organizado pelo Escritório Conjunto do Programa SatNav África (JPO), em parceria com o Governo de Cabo Verde, através do Ministério da Economia Digital.

Distribuído pelo Grupo APO para Governo de Cabo Verde.

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Committee on Electricity Warns Against Job Losses as a Result of Just Energy Transition Plan

Source: APO – Report:

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The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy expressed its concern over potential job losses as a result of the Just Energy Transition (JET) plan when it received a briefing from Eskom on the revised plan, decoupled from the decommissioning of plants.

The Eskom JET strategy has been decoupled from the decommissioning schedule to ensure independence from plant operations. Eskom’s plan promotes the optimal use of the existing coal fleet while rolling out clean energy capacity to ensure security of supply and energy sustainability.

The committee engaged with the power utility on its R400 billion debt burden along with limited government support, as the fiscus cannot keep funding Eskom in the way it has in the past. Also, due to the inflated cost of electricity, the entity has declining energy sales, escalating municipal debt and less than cost-reflective tariffs.

The committee demanded an explanation from Eskom on how it plans to secure the substantial assistance and sustained funding required for the entire JET, including the estimated R257 billion for a minimum emission standards compliance and the 14,000 km of grid expansion needed by 2034.

Eskom said that it has a commitment to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030. Regarding minimisation of any disruption that might occur, Eskom said that the transition not only includes sustainability but also energy security and affordability.

The power utility stated that in its communication, it has been indicating that coal is not an issue. But to manage the transition, the entity uses technology to make it safe to reduce emissions. The committee heard that Eskom will not shut down coal-powered stations for the sake of shutdown and disrupt the economy but, where it is possible, coal will be used as optimally and efficiently as possible within the ambit of the commitments made.

Regarding the strategies that are being implemented to mitigate the risks of funding delays and the impact of the US withdrawal from the International Partners Group, Eskom said the dynamics and changes from the US have changed how the power entity traditionally views funding. However, Eskom believes that change comes with opportunity.

Eskom told the committee that the entity also engaged with the World Bank to source funding from various international funders. The committee heard that funders are aware of their five-year project from the discussions already undertaken.

Regarding job losses due to the closure of the coal power stations and the JET plan, Eskom told the committee that it wants to grow the economy on all fronts, while continuously using all the available resources to meet emission targets. The committee noted the difficulties arising from the decommissioning of power stations, which include job losses and economic and social impacts.

The committee expressed its appreciation to Eskom for stabilising the grid and avoiding loadshedding for a sustained period. The committee told Eskom that nuclear energy is probably the safest and cleanest energy source available. Members of the committee advised Eskom about the possibility of considering the new technology of using nuclear waste stored at fire pits for generating electricity.

– on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.