Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has apologized to South Africans as the country grapples with Stage 6 load shedding.
Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday, Ramokgopa expressed regret over the situation.
“Please accept our sincerest apologies. With the utmost humility, I want to acknowledge that this is a setback,” he said.
Eskom announced that Stage 6 load shedding would persist due to multiple unit failures at Camden Power Station, with no clear end in sight.
Ramokgopa emphasized that the ministry is following the Energy Action Plan introduced by the president in July 2022.
“After more than 300 consecutive days of uninterrupted electricity supply, we experienced a setback on February 1, 2025, and now we are facing another challenge with an even greater intensity,” he explained.
He revealed that five generation units at Majuba Power Station, Eskom’s second-largest facility, had failed, contributing to the crisis.
“This forced us to implement Stage 3 load shedding to replenish reserves, assess the root cause at Majuba, and determine how long it would take to restore the units. Then, at around 1:30 a.m., Camden Power Station lost four units, which is highly unusual. These combined failures led to an escalation to Stage 6. However, we have made some progress in bringing units back online,” he stated.
Addressing speculation about possible sabotage, Ramokgopa dismissed such claims, insisting that the crisis is purely technical.
“I’ve heard concerns about possible foul play, but I want to assure the nation that this is a technical issue. There is no sabotage. We should not look for alternative explanations for the current situation. We expect improvements by the end of the week,” he affirmed.
He acknowledged the severe financial and economic impact of load shedding, vowing that the ministry is committed to resolving the crisis.
“We understand the frustration, anger, and disappointment. Load shedding should not be accepted at any level. We are making decisions that serve the nation’s best interests. We hear your concerns, we share your frustration, and we are determined to find a lasting solution,” Ramokgopa assured.
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