Ramokgopa implores Eskom to keep Joburg lights on despite its R7bn debt
Admits that in a perfectly functioning market, the city would already have been switched off.
Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is urging Eskom to maintain electricity supply to Johannesburg, despite the city's outstanding debt of R7 billion. This debt, which combines past and present obligations, has long burdened the city and its utility providers. Speaking at a roundtable with Eskom executives, Ramokgopa implored, "Joburg owes you R7 billion but don't switch them off."
He admitted, almost rhetorically, that in a well-functioning market, Eskom would disconnect the lights due to unpaid bills. However, his interventions have previously thwarted Eskom's attempts to disconnect the power supply to Johannesburg. The Department of Public Works, through Ramokgopa, brokered a deal that prevented Eskom from interrupting or reducing the city's power supply earlier in the year.
Yet, the city's failure to meet its debt obligations resulted in Eskom issuing a Public Finance Management Act (Paja) notice, triggering a public consultation process. This process, extended until August 22nd, allows for input on potential power interruptions while assessing the city's payments towards its historical R5 billion debt.
Ramokgopa's efforts to alleviate Eskom's burden may include seeking an exemption from the PFMA, which currently constrains the utility's financial transparency.
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