Question NW2113 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
15 June 2023 - NW2113
Essack, Mr F to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
With reference to perceived policy inconsistencies and the overlapping of responsibilities between his department, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and now the Office of the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity, what are the details of the (a) major sticking points he identified in the allocation of responsibilities across the specified portfolios, which impact on the ability of Eskom to address the energy crisis of the Republic and (b) solutions will he put in place to resolve the specified sticking points?
Reply:
The President of the Republic of South Africa is empowered to appoint Ministers and also in terms of the powers vested in him in terms of section 97 of the Constitution may transfer to a member of the Cabinet any power or function to any member of Cabinet. The President exercised his powers to appoint the Minister of Electricity to carry out all powers and functions in section 34(1) of the Electricity Regulation Act, 2006 as a broader strategy to deal with load shedding.
In recent weeks, the President has gazetted the specific role of the Minister of Electricity (Annexure A)
The President is on record having stated that the delineation of powers and functions is directed at ensuring effective coordination and dedicated focus to deal more effectively and urgently with the electricity crisis.
In addition, the structure and operations of the National Electricity Crisis Committee ensure optimal coordination among all government entities.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
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