Electricity Minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, recently admitted in an interview that he feels like nothing more than a “project manager” and doesn’t have the power to make decisions on his own. Ramokgopa, who is responsible for overseeing the country’s energy supply, said he often has to consult with other Ministers to get things done.
During the interview with Sakina Kamwendo, Ramokgopa was asked about his role and responsibilities as the Electricity Minister. He conceded that while he was not a junior minister, he didn’t have the authority to make decisions without consulting other ministers who had the power to do so.
The admission has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the government’s energy policies and decision-making processes. Many have criticized the government for not taking a more proactive approach to resolving the country’s energy crisis and for relying too heavily on the private sector to address the issue.
South Africa has been plagued by frequent power outages and load shedding in recent years, leading to disruptions in various industries and negatively impacting the economy. The government has promised to invest in renewable energy and increase the capacity of the country’s power grid, but progress has been slow.
Ramokgopa’s admission has highlighted the need for greater accountability and transparency in government and for more effective communication between Ministers to ensure the country’s energy needs are met.
