By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The energy and mineral resources minister Gwede Mantashe says the decision to appoint an ‘electricity minister’ is mere appointment of a ‘project manager’ for struggling Eskom.
The Sunday Times reported that many ANC leaders were confused with the appointment, noting that no one really knew what this minister’s role would be and whether or not it would be a temporary position.
Ramaphosa’s move ruffled some feathers within the ruling party ANC by going against a recent caucus decision to shift Eskom to the energy ministry – headed by Mantashe.
Mantashe, however, who also serves as the national chair of the ANC, didn’t seem fazed by the president’s appointment.
He viewed the newly created electricity ministry as nothing but a project management intervention to deal specifically with load-shedding.
“To me, my understanding of this intervention from the president is that we must approach this issue as a project management intervention so that we project-manage the management of load-shedding,”said Mantashe.
He added that the announcement does not change the ANC 55th national conference resolution for Eskom to be moved to his department.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula agreed with Mantashe’s sentiments, saying that the “project manager” would merely be responsible for ensuring mitigating targets are met and that Eskom will be handed over to the DMRE minister.
The new position was announced during the president’s latest State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, 9 January.
During SONA, Ramaphosa outlined broad plans to tackle the ongoing energy crisis relating to the failing power utility Eskom – including declaring it a national state of disaster.
Despite the president’s promises of action on Thursday, civil society, businesses and political parties have not been convinced by the state of the disaster or the creation of an electricity minister.