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Eskom has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s green light on Phase I work of the Presidency’s Eskom Restructuring Task Team (ERTT), which sets out the framework for establishing a fully independent state-owned Transmission System Operator (TSO).

“Eskom welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s statement on the Phase I Report prepared by the Eskom Restructuring Task Team (ERTT) and supports the delivery of the government policy to establish an independent, state-owned Transmission System Operator (TSO),” the power utility said in a statement on Monday.

President Ramaphosa endorsed the landmark report by the ERTT, which sets the stage for a restructuring of the electricity sector to “create competition, unlock investment, reduce electricity prices and ensure energy security for sustained economic growth and job creation.”

In its statement, the power utility said it noted the emphasis in the ERTT’s Phase I Report that the establishment of the TSO should be implemented in a manner that addresses lender requirements, avoids defaults, and ensures that Eskom is not placed in a worse financial position and appropriately considers shareholder rights and interests.

These considerations, said the utility, are important to maintaining its financial sustainability and supporting a stable and orderly transition as the reform process progresses. This principle is a key enabler of a competitive electricity market that can support reliable, cost-effective electricity supply, strengthen energy security, attract investment, and contribute to South Africa’s economic growth, while reducing the risk of market failure.

“The Eskom Board shares President Ramaphosa’s vision of an independent Transmission System Operator that will own the transmission assets at the appropriate point in the future. Equally, the Board has a clear fiduciary responsibility to ensure that Eskom remains financially sustainable so that energy security can continue to power South Africa’s growth.

“It is precisely for these reasons that we fully support the pragmatic approach of treating electricity sector reforms as a carefully sequenced process with clear stage gates,” said Eskom Board Chairman Mteto Nyati.

Nyati added that as Phase II of the reform process commences, it is important that the implementation process safeguards Eskom’s financial sustainability and appropriately addresses lender requirements, financing arrangements and contractual obligations.

“The establishment of an independent TSO is a material event for Eskom’s lenders and will require careful engagement as the implementation pathway is developed. Successful reform and a financially sustainable Eskom are complementary objectives that will help support a stable, sustainable and investment-ready electricity,” he said.

Eskom also welcomed the ERTT’s proposal to establish a dedicated workstream to develop solutions to municipal debt.

“Addressing municipal arrear debt, which has reached R119 billion, remains critical to Eskom’s long-term financial sustainability and its ability to meet existing debt obligations. Progress in this area will be an important consideration in developing a sustainable implementation pathway for a fully independent TSO. Eskom, therefore, further welcomes the proposal to establish a focused programme of work to address this challenge,” Nyati explained.

In his statement on Friday, President Ramaphosa said the report shows how government can ensure that the architecture of the electricity sector can change as the sector continues to evolve, creating the foundation for South Africa’s growth.

The report includes recommendations that:
•    show that the restructuring is feasible, in line with international best practice, and can be done in a manner that does not compromise Eskom’s financial sustainability.
•    highlight that the growth in municipal arrear debt to Eskom needs to be addressed because of the threat it poses to Eskom and the broader electricity sector.
•    identify several actions that can be taken immediately to enable the restructuring.

Meanwhile, the power utility said it remains committed to supporting South Africa’s electricity market reforms while ensuring that the implementation process strengthens the long-term sustainability of the utility and the broader electricity sector.

“Eskom will continue to engage with affected stakeholders and provide updates, as appropriate, as the reform process progresses,” it said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has urged all eligible South Africans to register and verify their voter registration details before the proclamation of the 2026 Local Government Elections date on Friday, 7 August 2026.

In terms of Section 159 of the Constitution, read together with the Municipal Structures Act, the Minister of CoGTA is responsible for proclaiming the date of local government elections, which must be held within 90 days after the expiry of a municipality’s five-year term.

The proclamation and gazetting of the election date will result in the closure of the voters’ roll for the 2026 elections.

The Minister’s call follows a successful voter registration weekend held on 1 and 2 August 2026, during which approximately 1.7 million citizens interacted with the Electoral Commission (IEC). Of these, 291 806 registered as first-time voters, while more than 1.5 million voters updated or confirmed their registration details.

Hlabisa welcomed the encouraging turnout, describing it as a clear demonstration of citizens’ commitment to strengthening democracy and shaping the future of their communities.

“I urge all eligible South Africans who have not yet registered, or who need to update their details, to do so before the proclamation date. Every registered voter strengthens our democracy and ensures that communities have a voice in local government,” Hlabisa said in a statement on Monday.

The Minister reminded voters that, in local government elections, citizens may only vote in the ward where they are registered. He encouraged voters to make use of the IEC’s Online Voter Registration Portal and voter verification services to confirm their registration status.

READ | Register now before it’s too late

Hlabisa also expressed his appreciation to the Electoral Commission, electoral staff, political parties, community organisations, traditional leaders, and all stakeholders whose contributions helped ensure the success of the voter registration weekend.

South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections, scheduled for 4 November 2026, will provide citizens with an important opportunity to shape the future of local governance and strengthen democratic participation at community level. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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As the country commemorates Women’s Month, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched its campaign, which celebrates the dedication, resilience and professionalism of female officers who stand at the forefront of protecting women, children and other vulnerable groups while helping to build safer communities.

As part of the campaign, the SAPS highlighted the work of 45-year-old Sergeant Vuyokazi Bayi, an investigator attached to the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation (SECI) Unit in the Eastern Cape Province.

Born and raised in Zwelitsha, Bayi’s journey began at King William’s Town Flying Squad when she joined the Service as a constable in 2012. Those first years pursuing suspects at high speed laid the foundation for a career that would place her at the forefront of the fight against crimes committed against women and children.

Bayi developed a passion for investigating and solving crime, which led her to join the Zwelitsha Detective Service as an investigator. 

In 2020, she joined the King William’s Town Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, where she investigated sexual offence cases. Passion met purpose when Bayi joined the Eastern Cape Serial and Electronic Crime Investigation (SECI) Unit two years ago. 

As a SECI investigator, she investigates serial rape cases and sexual crimes committed through electronic platforms, ensuring that offenders who prey on vulnerable victims are identified, traced and successfully prosecuted.

A recent success includes the sentencing of 32-year-old Lesotho national Lechasa Glass to indefinite imprisonment following his latest conviction on six counts of rape. The court also declared him a dangerous criminal in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act.

On 24 May 2024, Glass was convicted on 24 counts, including multiple rapes and robberies with aggravating circumstances committed against women and children in the Addo and Joubertina areas between 2015 and 2022. 

His previous sentences included six life terms of imprisonment together with multiple fixed-term sentences.

Despite already being incarcerated, further DNA analysis linked Glass to three additional dockets involving the rape of a 16-year-old girl in Addo, a 13-year-old girl in Joubertina, and a 23-year-old woman. In total, DNA evidence connected Glass to 16 separate cases.

On 14 April 2026, Glass was found guilty on all six counts across the three additional cases. Following psychiatric observation, the court found that he was mentally fit, acted intentionally and displayed no remorse.

On 4 June 2026, he was sentenced to imprisonment for an indefinite period after being declared a dangerous criminal in terms of Sections 286A and 286B of the Criminal Procedure Act. The court further directed that Glass be brought before the same court after the expiry of 23 years from 4 June 2026 for reconsideration of his sentence.

Bayi, together with her colleague, Warrant Officer Sonwabile Dlomo, conducted a meticulous investigation, with their effective use of DNA technology proving instrumental in linking Glass to these cases and securing the convictions. 

“Their work demonstrates how disciplined investigations, teamwork and scientific policing continue to strengthen the criminal justice system and restore public confidence in SAPS. A final-year student, Bayi will soon graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Police Science and is currently completing an internal course on Psychologically Motivated Crime at the SAPS Academy in Hammanskraal,” the police said in a statement on Tuesday.

The police woman believes continuous learning equips investigators with the knowledge and skills needed to better protect women, children and vulnerable communities.

“To every woman wearing the badge: never underestimate your strength. Your compassion is not a weakness; it is one of your greatest strengths. Your professionalism, determination and integrity inspire those around you and help build safer communities,” said Bayi.

Throughout Women’s Month, the SAPS will continue profiling women across different policing environments whose leadership, integrity and commitment to service are driving organisational renewal, strengthening accountability and advancing the SAPS Reset Agenda.

South Africa commemorates Women’s Month annually in August and also remembers the 1956 Women’s March. On 9 August 2026, the country will mark the 70th anniversary of the Women’s March. On that day, more than 20 000 women marched to the Union Buildings to protest the extension of Pass Laws and the Urban Areas Act.  –SAnews.gov.za

 

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South Africans who missed the final voter registration weekend still have until midnight on Friday, 7 August, to register or update their details ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has urged eligible voters not to wait until the last minute, warning that registration channels typically become busier as deadlines approach.

Voters who were unable to visit a registration station during the weekend can register or update their details through the IEC’s Online Voter Registration portal before the registration period closes.

The Commission has also introduced voter registration via WhatsApp, providing another way for citizens to register or update their voter information using their mobile phones.

To use the service, voters can WhatsApp “Hi” to 0600 88 0000. The platform uses secure identity verification, including one-time-password authentication, ID document uploads, address verification and voting-station confirmation.

Some voters using WhatsApp may be directed to the IEC’s online registration platform to verify their residential address using an interactive map.

Those who prefer to register in person can also make use of registration stations. During the final registration weekend on 1 and 2 August, more than 1.7 million citizens interacted with the IEC, including 291 806 first-time voters.

The IEC said the registration drive also saw significant participation from young people. Of the 1.7 million transactions recorded during the weekend, 485 757 involved people aged between 16 and 29, while 46% of new registrations were by voters under 29.

Citizens can register from the age of 16, although only those who are 18 or older are eligible to vote.

The IEC has also stressed the importance of ensuring that registration details are correct, particularly for voters who have moved. In local government elections, voters must vote at the voting station where they are registered, meaning those who have changed addresses should update their details before the deadline.

Voters can check their registration status by SMSing “myID” followed by their ID number to 32810.

The IEC’s contact centre, 0800 11 8000, is also available to assist with registration queries.

The 2026 Local Government Elections are scheduled for 4 November, with the formal election timetable set to follow the proclamation on Friday, 7 August. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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South Africa has reached 441 consecutive days without load shedding, as Eskom reports continued improvements in generation performance, reduced reliance on diesel and lower levels of unplanned outages.

According to Eskom, the country has been without load shedding since 16 May 2025. Between 1 April and 30 July 2026, electricity demand was met 100% of the time, while the utility’s Winter Outlook for the period to 31 August continued to project no loadshedding.

Eskom said the sustained period without load shedding forms part of a broader improvement in the performance of the power system, with stronger generation availability and additional capacity helping the utility meet demand during the winter period.

One of the clearest indicators of the improvement was recorded on 26 July, when Eskom achieved a daily Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 82.04% — its highest daily performance since 2017.

The financial year-to-date EAF had improved to 66.97%, a 7.28% year-on-year increase.

Eskom said the EAF had improved by 11.8% compared with the same period three years earlier, returning approximately 5.9GW of generating capacity to the grid. More than 85% of the coal fleet was operating at EAF levels between 73% and 97%.

The utility also reported a sharp decline in unplanned outages.

On 26 July, unplanned outages fell to 4 562MW, the lowest level recorded since 30 June 2018, when the figure stood at 4 327MW. Eskom said the reduction had strengthened system reliability and helped South Africa meet increased winter demand.

For the week from 24 to 30 July, average unplanned outages were 5 553MW, down from 10 641MW during the same period last year. Eskom calculated this as a reduction of 5 088MW, or 47.8% year-on-year.

The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor also improved to 11.74%, compared with 22.21% in the corresponding period last year. Planned maintenance averaged 8.94% over the week, down from 10.40% during the same period a year earlier.

Eskom said the improvements reflected the gains being made through its Generation Recovery Plan.

The improved availability of generating capacity has also reduced Eskom’s reliance on diesel-fired generation.

The utility said diesel was not used between 24 and 30 July, marking the second consecutive week without diesel usage.

For the financial year to date, from 1 April to 30 July, diesel expenditure stood at R807.41 million, compared with R5.63 billion during the same period last year. Eskom said this represented an 85.67% reduction in diesel expenditure.

The load factor for Open-Cycle Gas Turbines, which are used to provide additional electricity during periods of high demand, averaged 1.08%, compared with 9.71% the previous year.

Year-to-date OCGT generation was 105.977GWh, approximately 88.89% lower than the corresponding period last year.  

Eskom said the lower use of OCGTs reflected improved fleet performance and reduced dependence on diesel-powered generation.

Despite the improvement in the national power system and the end of load shedding, Eskom continues to implement load reduction in some areas affected by illegal connections, meter tampering, infrastructure damage and overloading.

The utility’s Load Reduction Eradication Programme has removed approximately 1.196 million customers from load reduction schedules — about 70.8% of the 1.69 million customers originally affected.

Six of South Africa’s nine provinces have been completely removed from load reduction, while progress continues in the Eastern Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Eskom said the proportion of its customers affected by load reduction had fallen from a peak of 23.5% to approximately 6.9%.

The utility remains on track to eliminate load reduction in a seventh province by October 2026, with nationwide eradication targeted for 2027.

Smart-meter installations are also being used to support the programme.

Eskom said 503 139 smart meters had been installed on load reduction feeders, reaching 87.1% of the 577 347 target for high-priority areas. Approximately 93% of the installations were concentrated in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.

A total of 565 feeders had been removed from load reduction, representing approximately 58% of the programme’s 971-feeder target.

According to the energy utility approximately 1 196 657 customers were no longer affected by load reduction. The figure includes 670 785 customers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, 268 902 in Gauteng, 21 835 in the Eastern and Western Cape, 184 907 in KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, and 50 228 in the North West and Northern Cape. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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