President Ramaphosa asserts commitment to energy reform in meeting with Eskom Board

President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in a meeting with the Chairperson of the Eskom Board on Thursday 27 August 2026, reaffirmed South Africa's energy reform path as imperative to achieve an affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity supply for all South Africans.

The President reiterated government’s commitment to establish a fully independent Transmission System Operator (TSO) with ownership and control of transmission assets, to create a level playing field for competition and unlock investment in the electricity sector.

The implementation of the reforms are being developed by the Eskom Restructuring Task Team (ERTT), which will oversee the process, and includes representatives of The Presidency, National Treasury, the Department of Electricity and Energy, Eskom, and the National Transmission Company South Africa.

President Ramaphosa further emphasised that the TSO will remain state-owned, as a strategic national asset serving the public interest.

In response to matters of concern raised by the Eskom Board Chairperson, Mr Mteto Nyati, President Ramaphosa reiterated government's commitment to continue working closely with Eskom, the NTCSA, and other stakeholders to ensure that the reform is implemented in a manner that preserves Eskom’s financial position; ensures that the TSO is able to invest in expanding and strengthening the transmission network, and engages lenders and funders in a transparent and responsible manner.

The Chairperson confirmed the Board’s strong support for the policy direction determined by government and committed to ensuring continued alignment between the Board and shareholder in this regard going forward.

The August 27 meeting followed a recent engagement between President Ramaphosa and the leadership of the National Union of Mineworkers and was in line with the President’s commitment to continued engagement with all affected parties throughout the process.

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria