Response to media reports regarding the meeting of Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa with Business Leadership South Africa

The Presidency has noted media reports about Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa’s meeting with Business Leadership South Africa in Pretoria on Friday 20 March 2015 regarding Eskom.

In this regard, the Presidency wishes to put it on record that the meeting was held at the request of Business Leadership South Africa with a view to helping government to address difficulties arising from the constrained supply of electricity, as well as issues affecting Eskom.

A media statement issued after last Friday’s meeting made it clear that the interaction with Business Leadership South Africa was one of a series that Deputy President Ramaphosa would hold with key stakeholders to address challenges facing Eskom.

In pursuance of this objective, Deputy President Ramaphosa will provide feedback on War Room interventions at Eskom to the NEDLAC social partners soon.

The War Room on Eskom  has held several meetings with stakeholders including Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), which counts the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry among its members. The War Room will continue meeting with stakeholders and welcomes suggestions from all sectors regarding the way forward on Eskom.

The War Room is charged with the responsibility of implementing the five-point plan to deal with electricity challenges. In the spirit of working together, Deputy President Ramaphosa has appointed a six-member independent panel of experts to advise him on current challenges facing Eskom and to develop proposals for a way forward.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria