COSATU welcomes Eskom’s commitments to invest in transformers adding 28GW to the Grid

27 June 2024

The Congress of South African Trade Unios (COSATU) welcomes Eskom’s progressive commitments to invest in transformers and add 28GW to the electricity grid over the next four years. If completed successfully this would consign loadshedding to a painful memory of the past.

The plans to add 101 transformers over the next four years and 170 in total by 2032, with a combined additional generation capacity of 53GW, as well as the commitment made by President Cyril Ramaphosa to build 14 000 kms of new transmission lines, will unlock the generation capacity the economy needs to have energy security to grow over the short, medium and long term. It will open space for Eskom to continue to ensure a sustainable energy mix and reduce our carbon footprint.

These critical investments will help move Eskom back on to a secure financial trajectory and ensure its ability to provide the economy reliable and affordable electricity.  It will enable Eskom to export surplus electricity once again to the region and thus boost Southern Africa’s economic growth as well.

COSATU is particularly pleased with Eskom’s commitment to source transformers locally and thus help nurture and grow our local manufacturing capacity.  This will create thousands of local jobs and create opportunities for exports to the continent.

We commend government led by the African National Congress and President Ramaphosa, and Eskom, for the continuous progress made on addressing our electricity challenges.  These lay the foundation for the economy to grow, create decent jobs, reduce poverty, and attract badly needed investments.

Issued by Matthew Parks, Parliamentary Coordinator, COSATU, 27 June 2024