President Cyril Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa commended the progress achieved through the partnership between the government and the private sector over the last nine months. The alliance has been at the forefront of attempting to alleviate the electricity supply crisis, logistics challenges, and combatting crime and corruption.
Speaking on Monday in his weekly newsletter, President Ramaphosa outlined the advances made since the alliance was forged. “Since the partnership began, the private sector has contributed more than R170 million of direct support and has mobilised over 350 technical experts. More than 130 CEOs of the country’s leading companies have pledged their support,” he mentioned.
Initiated in June of the previous year, this partnership was set up with the aim of dismantling barriers impeding rapid economic growth and job creation.
Reflecting back on the improvements, the President said, “Since November 2023, load shedding is 61% lower than the same period a year ago. Among other things, this has been made possible by the return of units at Kusile power station and the impact of new generation capacity from rooftop solar and private sector investment.”
In a move to pool in more expertise, he disclosed, “Under the leadership of its new Group CEO, Eskom is finalising an agreement with business to deploy additional independent skilled experts to support Eskom.”
Transnet has benefitted from this synergy in its operations as well. “Business is supporting a number of the workstreams of the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC), providing technical, security and operational expertise to Transnet’s efforts to improve the performance of ports and freight rail,” President Ramaphosa stated further.
The result of collaborative efforts has seen a significant reduction in logistical bottlenecks with a 45% decrease in vessels anchored outside the Port of Durban, while the waiting time for container vessels to anchor dropped by 36%.
Additionally, a surge in transport security has led to a substantial decrease in crime. “A major success has been the provision of security by business on the rail network, which has resulted in a 65% reduction in criminal incidents on the Northern Corridor, reducing the number of trains cancelled,” the President said.
In tackling crime and corruption, Ramaphosa highlighted continuous efforts. “Steady progress has been made in the crime and corruption focal area. Through the Joint Initiative on Crime and Corruption (JICC), the private sector is providing business information and resources to assist with the fight against infrastructure crime.”
Moreover, initiatives such as modernization of the 10111 helpline and new forensic capacities are being rolled out with the help of the private sector.
Looking ahead, the President outlined the goals and expectations for the near future. “Building on this progress, government and business are now focused on actions that will make a considerable and lasting difference over the course of the next few months,” which include aiming to add up to 10,600 MW to the national grid, hence reducing the impact of load shedding by the year’s end.
To reinforce the commitment to tackling crime and corruption, he announced plans for passing the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Amendment Bill, a pivotal piece of legislation meant to enhance the NPA’s capacity and independence.
In closing, President Ramaphosa emphasized the importance of wider community engagement and long-term economic growth. “We have long believed that it is only by working together that we can make progress. The partnership between government and business has shown what is possible when we are focused and committed towards the achievement of a common goal,” he affirmed, underscoring a united vision for South Africa’s future.
