Minister of Energy Apologizes as South Africa Faces
Pretoria, Gauteng – February 24, 2025
South Africa’s Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has issued a public apology to South Africans as the nation faces intensified power cuts under Stage 6 load shedding. Addressing the media on Sunday morning in Pretoria, Ramokgopa expressed deep regret over the setbacks that have led to the current energy crisis.
“Please accept our sincerest apologies. With the greatest level of humility, I want to say to the country that we regret that there is a setback,” Ramokgopa stated, emphasizing the ministry’s awareness of the public’s frustration and hardship.
The apology follows Eskom’s announcement that Stage 6 load shedding would continue due to multiple trips at Camden Power Station. The national power utility has not yet provided a timeline for when the situation will improve.
Technical Issues at Power Stations
Ramokgopa explained that the Energy Ministry remains guided by the Energy Action Plan unveiled by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2022. He acknowledged the severity of the current crisis, noting a significant setback on February 1, 2025, following over 300 days of uninterrupted electricity supply.
The minister revealed that five generation units were lost at Majuba Power Station, Eskom’s second-largest power plant. “This resulted in us initiating Stage 3 load shedding to allow us to replenish the reserves, to allow the team to understand what the root cause was at Majuba, and have an appreciation of how long it will take for us to return those units.”
The situation worsened early Sunday morning when four units were lost at Camden Power Station, prompting the escalation to Stage 6. “The constellation of that resulted in us upping the levels of load shedding to Stage 6. We have been able to record some successes in return of the units,” Ramokgopa added.
No Sabotage Involved
Amid swirling rumors, Ramokgopa dismissed allegations of sabotage at the power stations. “I have heard several queries regarding some underhand activities. I want to say to the rest of the country; that this is a technical issue. We must not find any reason to manufacture explanations of why we are at Stage 6. There is no sabotage.”
Financial Impact and the Way Forward
The minister acknowledged the broader impact of load shedding on South Africa’s economy and promised that the ministry would work tirelessly to resolve the crisis. He stressed the financial strain load shedding imposes on the country and reiterated the government’s commitment to finding a lasting solution.
“On the agitation, anger, disappointment that the country is registering, we should not accept load shedding at any Stage…We have made decisions that are in the interest of the great…We understand the anger; we feel your pain; we can hear your cries. We will resolve this problem,” Ramokgopa vowed.
Eskom has advised citizens to monitor load shedding schedules and conserve electricity where possible. More updates are expected as the situation unfolds.