Brian Molefe must now be forced to implement pro-jobs IPP policy 

29 July 2016

Following the Minister of Energy, Tina-Joemat-Pettersson’s rebuke of Brian Molefe’s unilateral, job-killing decision to contravene existing Energy Policy, he must now drop his arrogant determination to dump IPP, and implement the programme – as he is required to do.

Just last week, Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan, also made it clear that the ESKOM CEO does not have the power to amend or make new Energy Policy. The fact that he has even attempted to do so demonstrates his complete lack of interest in our economy, and the jobs crisis we currently face.

We accordingly now urge the Minister of Energy to compel Brian Molefe to comply with the policy, and to ensure that this important programme – that will ensure a stable energy supply for our economy – is implemented. 

Tina Joemat-Pettersson can’t just leave it to sweet talk, and one press statement. If her department is serious about IPP then she must make sure it goes ahead. Of course, Molefe has the ear of Jacob Zuma, and his eye on a cabinet post. But internal ANC politics must not stand in the way of ensuring economic growth and job creation.

At the first available opportunity, I will also request that the Portfolio Committee on Energy summon Mr Molefe to explain this highly problematic decision. He owes South Africa an explanation. 

The DA will do everything possible to ensure that the IPP programme goes ahead. We simply cannot gamble with our economy at a time when more than 8.9 million South Africans do not have jobs. 

Issued by Gordon MacKay, DA Shadow Minister of Energy, 29 July 2016