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Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan continues to yield results as the power system remains stable with more than 245 days without the implementation of load shedding.

“Eskom’s power system remains stable, continuing to support economic activity in the country. South Africa returned this week from the holiday break to a structurally stronger system entering 2026, than five years ago, with an additional 4400MW of capacity available compared to this time last year.

“The resilience of the power system reflects the major improvements in Eskom’s generation fleet and the success of its Generation Recovery Plan, driving stronger operations and securing the country’s energy future,” an Eskom statement read.

The year-to-date Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has increased to some 64.66% with the power utility’s fleet reaching and exceeding 70% EAF on more than 50 occasions.

Unplanned outages are also on the downturn.

“The improvements in EAF demonstrate both recovery and sustained improvement in EAF performance, reinforcing energy security and grid stability. This performance confirms sustained recovery and reinforces confidence in the stability and security of the national electricity supply.

“Between 09 and 15 January 2026, average unplanned outages decreased to 8252MW from last year’s level at this time of 14 783MW. This represents a significant improvement of 6531MW.

“Over the same period, the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor [UCLF] reduced to 17.19%, a significant improvement of 13.74% compared to 30 93% recorded during the same period last year,” Eskom said.

Planned maintenance has also risen from 11.51% in the previous financial year to an average of 13.89%.

“This increase is consistent with Eskom’s maintenance schedule and reflects a deliberate strategy to enhance plant reliability, strengthen operational stability, and support long‑term fleet performance.

“It builds on the intensive maintenance programme implemented last year, which exceeded historical norms over the past three years and was aimed at restoring fleet reliability.

“The benefits of this approach are already evident in the continued decline of unplanned outages,” the power utility explained.

Furthermore, diesel spending has decreased significantly.

“For a fourth consecutive week, no diesel was used, resulting in zero expenditure over the past four weeks. Diesel spending is now R3.42 billion lower than the same time last year.

“This continued reduction demonstrates both the cost savings and the operational improvements achieved through Eskom’s ongoing turnaround efforts. Overall, this positive trend highlights the growing stability and efficiency of the power system,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport has thrown its support behind Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy’s call to ban any level of alcohol consumption for drivers.

Earlier this week, Creecy released the festive season road statistics and called for zero tolerance for drinking and driving.

It is currently a criminal offense to exceed the limit of 0.05g/100ml concentration of alcohol in blood or 0.24mg/1000ml breath for general drivers while stricter limits of 0.02g/100ml blood or 0.10mg/1000ml breath are in place for professional drivers.

“The committee supports the consideration of a total ban on alcohol use on the roads. It is clear now that decisive action is required. Otherwise, during the Easter period in three months, high fatality figures are likely to persist.

“It has become clear that driving under the influence of alcohol has reached alarming levels, resulting in unnecessary loss of life. The committee and its predecessors may not have exercised sufficient rigour in their oversight role. The committee supports the consideration of a total ban of alcohol use by drivers,” committee chairperson, Donald Selamolela, said.

Preliminary statistics from the Festive Season Road Safety Campaign – which covers the period of 1 December until 11 January 2026 – indicated that while there has been a 5% reduction in crashes and fatalities, some 1427 fatalities were recorded from 1172 crashes.

During the festive season, some 8561 drivers tested positive for alcohol consumption – an increase of 144% from the same period last year.

“Liability should be placed where necessary, and transgressing drivers should face stiff sanctions, including being banned from ever having a licence to drive. Drunk driving remains a serious and dangerous offence.

“Delays in acting on this matter risk further preventable loss of life on the country’s roads. These are deaths that could have easily been avoided. We need to reverse the perception that roads are death traps, and anyone can behave however they like,” Selamolela added. – SAnews.gov.za

A delegation of South African Ministers will showcase the country’s economic progress, reform momentum and investment potential at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland next week.

The forum will be held from Monday to 23 January 2026 under the theme: “A Spirit of Dialogue”.

South Africa’s delegation to the economic gathering includes Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille and Small Business Development Minister, Stella Ndabeni.

“South Africa will showcase its improving economic position reflected in strengthening investor confidence.

“Key recent developments include the stabilisation of electricity supply, removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s [FATF] greylist and an upgrade of the sovereign credit rating by the rating agency S&P Global. 

“The Ministers will highlight progress on structural reforms across energy, logistics, water, digital communications, and small business sectors, among others,” National Treasury said.

South Africa will be positioned as a definitive choice for global investors.

“The delegation’s strategic intent is to position South Africa as an attractive investment destination reflected in demonstrable progress in attaining macroeconomic stability, positive momentum in economic reform implementation, regional leadership, and global diplomacy. 

“This positioning aligns with South Africa’s medium-term growth strategy, anchored in four interdependent policy pillars: maintaining macroeconomic stability, accelerating structural reforms, building state capability and investing in growth-enhancing infrastructure,” the department added. – SAnews.gov.za

Government has announced the establishment of the Kruger Relief Fund to assist in efforts to rebuild the Kruger National Park after heavy rainfall damaged the popular tourist destination.

Limpopo and Mpumalanga – where the park is situated – have been battered by persistent rainfall and subsequent flooding over the past week with loss of life and infrastructure damage reported.

“I am pleased to announce that SANParks have committed to establishing the Kruger Relief Fund to help with rebuilding efforts, emergency supplies and any other necessities,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, said.

The fund will be managed and audited by two independent auditing firms.

“In order to start to rebuild the Kruger National Park, we will need money and we have decided to create a Kruger Relief Fund. The fund will be formed by independent auditors…that will manage that fund. We will, in time over the next week, give more information on that fund.”

The Minister called for donations from the public to assist in rebuilding efforts.

“Although we do not have an estimate of the total amount of damage that it will cost to repair, it will be extremely high. The damage in Kruger is extensive and we are going to plead with everybody out there…that would like to contribute to getting Kruger National Park back to where it was before these floods.

“We also appeal to corporate people and people in nature conservation to make donations so that we can get it back to standard,” he said.

The Minister visited the park on Saturday where he spent time assessing the damage and engaging with various stakeholders, including SANParks leadership.

He praised the park for taking a “safety first” approach after it prohibited day visits in response to the heavy rainfall.

“While we have witnessed major disruptions and damage owing to the heavy rains in Mpumalanga and Limpopo over the last few days, what has been even more incredible to witness has been the well-planned and executed response from the park.

“Our early warning systems meant that the emergency teams could act timeously to evacuate staff and guests in a coordinated manner.

“We are grateful that no loss of lives has been recorded and evacuations have progressed smoothly, and I once again extend my gratitude to the park’s management team and emergency services for their swift response,” Aucamp said. 

The Minister commended the team for applying a safety-first, human-centric approach despite facing massive disruptions to operations and infrastructure – including road and gate closures, electricity outages and interruptions to other basic services. 

SANParks has confirmed that day visits remain prohibited until further notice. 

There are also restrictions at several gates around the park, and access is limited to essential delivery vehicles, airport transfers with valid flight tickets, officials and guests with confirmed accommodation bookings at Berg n Dal, Skukuza, and Pretoriuskop. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the newly inducted National Dialogue Steering Committee to ensure that the “significant initiative” remains a citizen-led process that is inclusive and well organised.

The President delivered remarks during the inaugural meeting of the 99-member community at Unisa in Tshwane on Saturday where members were inducted.

He noted that the committee meets at a “time of profound challenges”.

“While we have made important progress over the last 32 years in forging a united, democratic nation, the vestiges of our apartheid past remain. 

“Poverty, unemployment and inequality are deep wounds that prevent our country from reaching its full potential. Crime, gender-based violence and corruption continue to haunt our communities. Many people have become disengaged from the democratic process.

“Yet, at several notable and important moments in our history, we have come together to confront our challenges and forge a path forward,” he said.

The President described the National Dialogue as a critical platform to forge a new social compact, emphasising that its success hinges on direct public participation.

Four core principles for the committee have been outlined, namely: inclusivity, citizen ownership, effective coordination and a focus on national healing. 

“First, this dialogue must be as inclusive as possible. Every voice matters. We must give all sectors of our society, every community and every individual the space to determine how we address today’s problems and build the South Africa we want for future generations.

“Second, this dialogue must be citizen-led. While the Head of State convenes the National Dialogue and government provides support, the outcomes must reflect the collective views of the South African people.

“Citizens must be able to freely participate as individuals, in organised formations and through representative bodies. The people of this country need to take ownership of this process,” President Ramaphosa noted.

The President proposed that one of the committee’s first tasks should be to establish clear coordination mechanisms with the Eminent Persons Group, a body of well-respected South African leaders. 

“Third, coordination and governance must be effective. The Steering Committee – working with the Eminent Persons Group, the Inter-Ministerial Committee and the Secretariat – must ensure this process is well-organised, transparent and credible.

“The fourth principle is that the process must promote understanding and healing. As we confront uncomfortable truths and ask difficult questions, we must create spaces where discussions encourage healing. We must speak with courage and listen with humility,” he said.

From this work, the President said, the views of South Africans will be “synthesised into a clear vision and an agreed programme of action for adoption by the second National Convention”.

“We look to you to use your experience, networks and credibility to give South Africans confidence that participation can help advance their interests and secure a better future for their children.

“In a number of ways, the members of the Steering Committee carry the hopes and aspirations of millions who long for a country where everyone can thrive.

“I once again thank you for your service to our nation and wish you strength and courage as you undertake this vital work,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za