EXCO and ESKOM meet to discuss the Implications of JET
The Mpumalanga Premier, Mr. Mandia Ndlovu convened a special sitting of the Executive Council on Monday, to discuss, among others, the implications of the Just Energy Transition (JET) in the province.
Coal is a significant mineral resource used by Eskom to produce electricity in the country. Mpumalanga is the base for various mining operations of coal, and is the host for ten Eskom power stations, namely: Camden, Grootvlei, Hendrina, Komati, Arnot, Kriel, Tutuka, Duvha, Matla and Kendal.
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsoe Ramokgopa and Eskom's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dan Marokane addressed the session at the Gert Sibande District Council Chamber in Ermelo. Their main focus was on forging a strong working relationship between the Provincial Government and Eskom on the JET phase, and plans to host one of the G20 meetings in Mpumalanga.
1.. Implications of the JET
The session noted that ten power stations in Mpumalanga will be decommissioned by 2030. The power stations are located in Gert Sibande and Nkangala Districts, with the Komati power station as the first to be decommissioned in 2022, due to the end of Its operating life.
Eskom highlighted a broad range of consequences for many communities due to the decision. These include several job losses and opportunities for basic services, as well as development projects through CSI Corporate Social Investments (CSI).
The undesirable outcomes will be a dent to the considerable efforts of the 7ih administration of job creation to stem the tight against unemployment. It will negate efforts to reduce poverty levels and hunger for households whose livelihoods are connected to the value chain of power stations, such as transportation of the coal and procurement of goods.
Through research studies, Eskom has identified opportunities that will be beneficial to the affected communities, to mitigate the impact of the JET process. The public entity says these can be achieved through the repowering and repurposing of the power stations. The opportunities are listed as follows:
- Artisanal jobs through repowering for operations.
- Potential jobs in smart agriculture and food security.
- Direct manufacturing jobs to support the energy sector, including steel and copper related products.
- Direct jobs In beneficiation activities, such as ash brick and block making, road refurbishment, biogas, waste management and recycling.
- Skills training for community members to support new SMMEs.
EXCO resolved to engage Eskom further about JET in order to adopt a coordinated and structured approach, aimed at minimising the impact.
Apart from Eskom, EXCO views the role of other affected stakeholders as vital to formulate a mitigation plan. As such a commitment was made to consult various stakeholders, including researchers and energy experts, to formulate a research-base mitigation plan.
2. Hosting of G20 energy session
As South Africa prepares to host the G20 summit next year, Mpumalanga has been identified as one of the international arenas for global discussions. The G20 is made up of 19 countries and two regional bodies, the African Union and the European Union.
The G20 is regarded as one of the multilateral forums for international economic cooperation.
Dr Ramokgopa presented a formidable plan to EXCO which gives Mpumalanga the advantages of hosting energy discussions at this critical period of the Just Energy Transition. He said Ministers representing the G20 countries, will attend a meeting on the 23rd to the 26th of September 2025, to discuss energy mix, lower carbon emitting technologies, as part of the Just Energy Transition. He added that this will give the province a moment In history for hosting the countries, where they shaped their positions on power supply for the future In line with international standards and protocols.
EXCO welcomed the plan, and expressed commitment to initiate logistical preparations.
ENDS...
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Contact Person: MEC Thulasizwe Thoma (Spokesperson - EXCO)
Enquiries:
Mr. George Mthethwa (Spokesperson - Provincial Government)
Contact: 013 766 2242/ 083 302 2774.