Cape Town – The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) has raised concerns over the appointment of the Minister of Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, stating that it may lead to wasteful and fruitless expenditure if he remains without powers over Eskom.
Despite six months in the position, Ramokgopa has complained about lacking authority over the Eskom board, with Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan still serving as the shareholder representative.
Ramokgopa expressed frustration about not having insights into the Eskom board, City Press reported, according to The Citizen.
Despite the minister’s assurances of resolving the energy crisis, questions were raised during a parliamentary session last week, about the scope and powers of the electricity minister.
According to EWN, although granted partial powers to procure new energy generation, the confusion persists regarding Ramokgopa’s role in comparison to Gordhan.
Scopa chairperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa said there was an overlap between Ramokgopa and two other ministers.
“He is caught between a rock and a hard place, and that rock and hard place is Minister [Pravin] Gordhan and Minister [Gwede] Mantashe because Minerals and Energy is responsible for the energy policy outlook.”
Hlengwa said that the absence of a parliamentary portfolio committee dedicated to the minister of electricity highlighted the limited influence held by Ramokgopa.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
