President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa will proceed with plans to establish an independent Transmission System Operator (TSO), a move aimed at creating a level playing field for competition and unlocking investment in the electricity sector.
According to a statement from the Presidency on Monday, Ramaphosa reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the country’s energy reform programme during a meeting with Eskom board chairperson Mteto Nyati, stressing the need for affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity supply.
The Presidency said the TSO would assume ownership and control of transmission assets while remaining state‑owned as a strategic national asset.
The reform is being developed by the Eskom Restructuring Task Team, which includes representatives from The Presidency, National Treasury, the Department of Electricity and Energy, Eskom and the National Transmission Company South Africa.
Ramaphosa noted that the restructuring will preserve Eskom’s financial position, enable investment in expanding and strengthening the transmission network, and ensure transparent engagement with lenders and funders.
Nyati confirmed the board’s support for the policy direction and alignment with government priorities.
South Africa’s energy reform programme, launched in response to years of rolling blackouts and Eskom’s financial strain, seeks to liberalise the electricity market by unbundling Eskom into separate generation, transmission, and distribution entities.
The reforms are designed to attract private investment, improve grid reliability, and accelerate the transition to a competitive, renewable‑based electricity sector.
JN/APA