Question NW2110 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
18 July 2023 - NW2110
Van Minnen, Ms BM to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
With reference to his recent trip with the acting Group Chief Executive of Eskom to the People’s Republic of China, what are the (a) reasons that he met with the State Grid Corporation of China and (b) relevant details of the discussions that are currently underway in this regard?
Reply:
The Department of Public Enterprises and entities it is responsible for, maintain a wide network of relationships with international and national institutions.
The purpose of such relations is the exchange of information, tracking innovations and technology development for various relevant fields.
Eskom, for example, has affiliate status with State Grid Cooperation of China (SGCC), in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which was finalised in 2015 and more recently, a tripartite MOU was signed with China Development Bank (CDB), SGCC and Eskom.
A Transnet delegation has just visited Germany to understand the operations of Deutche Bahn.
In order to deepen our understanding of the framework and operations of the Holding Companies and their relationship with SOEs, we have interacted with TEMASEK, KAZANAH (Malaysia) SASAC (China) and OECD.
During the visit to China, I interacted with SASAC and several energy - related companies including China Energy, State Grid and The National Energy Administration.
State Grid has investments and experience in many jurisdictions: Brazil, Portugal, Philippines. State grid also has a long-standing MOU with Eskom, which will be reviewed. Eskom and State Grid have had technical cooperation and exchanges.
We were introduced to some of the technological advances that have been made in China. Similar, exchanges will also be undertaken with Germany and similar jurisdictions.
Remarks: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises
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