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Zambia announced on Thursday it will import electricity from South Africa and Zimbabwe as drought reduced hydropower output, leading to load shedding of up to 16 hours a day.
Speaking at a press conference, Energy Minister Makozo Chikote said that the state-owned power company ZESCO will procure 218 megawatts of power from South Africa’s Eskom and the Zimbabwe Power Company. Said Chikote:
<blockquote>
ZESCO Limited has negotiated the procurement of 218 MW of power from Eskom, South Africa, and Zimbabwe Power Company… The electricity procured from the two companies is expected to be injected into the grid within the month of August.
</blockquote>
Chikote also revealed that as of June 30, 2024, Zambia had recalled 260 MW out of a total of 500 MW from the export market.
The Zambian Energy Minister further stated that by the end of July, ZESCO could only supply less than half of the country’s peak demand, putting the power deficit at around 1,360 megawatts.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC), which is currently generating 1,325 MW, can sell excess electricity during off-peak hours.
ZETDC, Zimbabwe’s electricity distribution company, is currently implementing up to 16 hours of load shedding during the day. However, at night, due to reduced electricity usage, the country has a surplus.
On Monday, August 5, the Hwange Thermal Power Station hit 1 Gigawatt (1,004 MW) of power generation, a significant milestone.
However, Kariba was only generating a paltry 292 MW, while independent power producers (IPPs) contributed 29MW, giving a total generation of 1,325 MW for Zimbabwe.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Zambia is getting less electricity due to a drought, so they will import power from South Africa and Zimbabwe. They will get 218 megawatts of power from these countries, and it should be available in August. Zambia has a big electricity shortage, with a deficit of 1,360 megawatts. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has extra power at night but not enough during the day. The Hwange Thermal Power Station in Zimbabwe hit a milestone by generating 1,004 MW. Zambia and Zimbabwe are working together to solve their energy problems.

Zambia To Import Electricity From Zimbabwe, South Africa

South Africa’s Electricity Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramakgopa, has emphasized that the ongoing power outages are severely affecting the country’s economy.
Ramakgopa stated that the power utility spends around R30 billion on diesel to maintain the power supply, and the government is collaborating with Eskom on alternative power generation methods.
During a virtual media briefing on Friday, he announced that 2000 megawatts are expected to be added to the grid by the end of the year. He said:
<blockquote>
The point we are making is that there has to be some degree of urgency. We can see some of these projects that they have announced are only connecting end of the financial year, but we need to move with speed and address the issues that constitute an emergency, so that we are able to protect the South African economy.
</blockquote>
During his visit to vehicle manufacturers in Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Ramokgopa emphasized the importance of preserving jobs and electricity in the automotive industry for its long-term sustainability.
Ramokgopa noted that the stop-and-start power outages are causing workers to lose up to 20% of their weekly wages. Volkswagen has taken steps to address this issue by installing PV and aggressively rolling out digital PV, investing about R70 million to convert the car park to PV. They are also adjusting their production schedule to maximize output.
The power crisis affecting Southern Africa, including South Africa and Zimbabwe, has resulted in <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2023/03/17/zimbabwe-power-outages-to-ease-from-20-march-zesa/">power cuts</a> due to a shortage of electricity supply. These power cuts have significant impacts on daily life, businesses, and the economy in these countries.
<h2><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindua News</a></h2>

South Africa's Electricity Minister Ramakgopa Says Power Outages Severely Affecting The Economy

Eskom, the power utility in South Africa, is offering incentives to large customers who voluntarily reduce their electricity usage during peak hours to alleviate pressure on the power system.
In a <a href="https://twitter.com/Eskom_SA/status/1650712152833925120">statement</a> seen by Pindula News, Eskom said it plans to increase its Demand Side Management (DSM) efforts to regulate electricity supply and demand. During the National Demand Management Indaba, Eskom Board Chairperson Mpho Makwana explained that DSM programs can help manage customers’ energy consumption, lowering peak demand or overall usage during certain times.
The Indaba aimed to provide a platform for various groups to discuss Demand Side Management, Energy Efficiency, and Demand Response. Through sharing international experiences and case studies, participants proposed solutions for reducing electricity demand and ensuring a consistent supply. Eskom also presented its recently launched Demand Response and Distribution Demand Management Programme, emphasizing their importance. Makwana said:
<blockquote>
The effective implementation of the DSM programmes could create a win-win situation —reducing pressure on the power system and enabling consumers to realise cost savings by being more energy conscious and reducing their consumption without affecting business productivity or quality of life.
DSM is not a South African concept. It is global phenomenon with the best-in-class countries already using technology to manage demand. The array of policy measures to incentivise demand-side participation, promote energy conservation and reduce peak demand can be replicated in our country.
</blockquote>
Eskom has been working on various DSM initiatives to improve energy efficiency, including energy-saving programs, demand response, distributed generation, and energy storage. They have implemented programs such as using CFLs instead of ICLs and encouraging people to reduce electricity usage during peak periods. Their demand response program offers incentives to large customers to reduce energy consumption during peak periods to avoid load shedding.
Eskom believes that collaborative efforts with stakeholders from businesses, industries, and residential customers will make DSM programs more effective. Eskom thanks all participants and encourages more people to join in these initiatives to alleviate pressure on the power system.
South Africa has been experiencing an electricity crisis for several years due to ageing infrastructure, underinvestment, and operational difficulties faced by the state-owned power utility, Eskom. This has led to frequent power outages known as “load shedding”, causing disruptions to businesses and affecting the quality of life for many South Africans. The government and Eskom are taking steps to address the crisis, but it remains a major challenge for the country.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Eskom Offers Incentives To Customers Voluntarily Reducing Electricity Consumption

South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, on Sunday, 22 January, announced that load shedding would be permanently implemented over the next two years.
Eskom chairperson, Mpho Makwana, said power cuts between Stages 2 and 3 are planned for the next two years.
Makwana said this will create “some predictability” and allow the power utility enough room to perform maintenance and increase the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) enough to put an end to load shedding within the next two years. Said Makwana:
<blockquote>
The global average for EAF is about 86%. We’re looking to grow from our current 58% EAF to 70% in the next two years.
</blockquote>
The planned journey to 70% is hoped to take place on the following timeline:
<ul>
<li>60% EAF — end-March 2023</li>
<li>65% EAF — end-March 2024</li>
<li>70% EAF — end-March 2025</li>
</ul>
The outgoing Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter, said the possibility of Stage 8 load shedding is receding but an “inherent risk” remains. He said:
<blockquote>
The possibility of stage 8 load-shedding is receding, which is comforting and positive.
However, there is always an inherent risk, and for that purpose, we have to protect our diesel reserves.
</blockquote>
Eskom Chief Operating Officer, Jan Oberholzer, said 43% of the utility’s electricity-generating units are currently offline due to breakdowns and planned maintenance. | <a href="https://mybroadband.co.za/news/energy/477261-eskom-announces-permanent-load-shedding.html">My Broadband</a>

SA: Eskom Announces Permanent Load Shedding For Next Two Years

Self-exiled former cabinet minister, Professor <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Jonathan_Moyo">Jonathan Moyo</a>, has said power crises could leave Zimbabwe and South Africa as failed states if authorities fail to come up with immediate and long-term solutions.
The two neighbouring countries are facing acute power shortages mainly due to their ageing power generators’ inability to produce to their maximum capacity.
In a series of Twitter posts seen by Pindula News, Moyo said a state failing to generate and supply adequate power is a failed state. He said:
<blockquote>
The power (electricity) dilemma has become the most critical question of our time, certainly in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Failure to deal with this question, with CONCRETE immediate, intermediate, and long-term SOLUTIONS, will leave Zimbabwe and South Africa as failed states!
#Updated Failed State (definition): A state, nation or country that is not able to generate or supply adequate, continuous and AFFORDABLE electricity on demand; to meet the needs or requirements of its industries, economy and society!
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe, whose power crisis is over a decade-old, is currently producing about 500 megawatts (MW) of power against a daily peak demand of 2 200 MW.
It imports some electricity from neighbouring Mozambique, Zambia and the troubled South Africa which is also implementing load-shedding to manage the crisis.
Zimbabwe and South Africa are also competing to get power from Mozambique and Zambia.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"Power Crises Will Leave Zimbabwe And South Africa As Failed States!" - Jonathan Moyo

The National Chairperson of South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), Samson Gwede Mantashe, has warned that the current crisis at power utility Eskom may cause social unrest in the country.
On Saturday, Eskom escalated its rolling blackouts from Stage Four to Five due to what it called unusually high demand.
The electricity shortages were exacerbated by the breakdown of a generating unit each at Hendrina, Kendal, and Kriel power stations.
Earlier last week, Eskom had pushed up the rolling blackouts to Stage Six.
Mantashe, who is also South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, was speaking at the Matla Coal Multi-purpose Hall outside Kriel in Mpumalanga. He said:
<blockquote>
When you have level six any time up and down the state is going to be overthrown by the people, that’s what it means actually.
l am talking about a revolt. Eskom must do what it should do, technically they have the capacity to do it.
</blockquote>
South Africa, just like its northern neighbour, Zimbabwe, is experiencing debilitating power cuts. | <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/current-eskom-crisis-may-cause-social-unrest-mantashe/">SABC News</a>

Mantashe Warns Severe Load Shedding May Cause Revolts

South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, has escalated load-shedding to level 5 citing faults at power generation plants.
In a statement seen by Pindula News, Eskom said load-shedding will be at level 5 until further notice. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
 Due to unusually high demand and the breakdown of a generating unit each at Hendrina, Kendal and Kriel power stations, loadshedding has unfortunately been escalated to Stage 5 until further notice.
 Koeberg Unit 1 has been taken offline this morning for planned refuelling and routine maintenance. Eskom will give a full update in due course.
</blockquote>
South Africa’s energy grid experienced a notable collapse in generating capacity in mid-September 2022 that resulted in up to half of Eskom’s generating capacity being lost.
Resultantly, Eskom which produces about 95% of the country’s electricity, is implementing scheduled, rolling blackouts in an attempt to save electricity while struggling to keep its ageing and poorly maintained coal-fired power stations operational.
With South Africa’s economy already struggling to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, economists have given stark warnings on the effect of the blackouts.
It has been estimated that load shedding has led to the economy losing R500 billion (just over $28 billion) since 2018, working out to about R1 billion per stage, per day. The crisis has a trickle-down effect on Zimbabwe which imports electricity from South Africa. 
Already, Eskom has indicated that it won’t supply Zimbabwe with more electricity than it is supplying. despite the neighbouring country is facing 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

South Africa: Eskom Escalates Load-shedding To Stage 5 Until Further Notice, Cites Faults

Eskom, South Africa’s power utility, has implemented Stage 4 blackouts until Monday morning.
That means you won’t have electricity at least three times on Sunday.
The power utility says further breakdowns at power stations necessitated the increase in power cuts.
They’re also to conserve limited diesel stocks and to allow for dam levels in the pumped storage schemes to be replenished. 
In a Twitter post seen by Pindula News, Eskom said:
<blockquote>
Further breakdowns require the implementation of Stage 4 loadshedding with immediate effect until 05:00 on Monday morning. This is to conserve the limited diesel stocks and to create space to replenish the dam levels in the pumped storage schemes.
</blockquote>
The prolonged power crisis in South Africa has had an adverse impact on neighbouring Zimbabwe.
The power utility has a contract to sell electricity to Zimbabwe which is also facing acute power shortages.
South Africa recently announced that it will not be able to supply Zimbabwe with electricity beyond what it is supplying right now as it is also struggling to meet local demand.
This is happening as Zimbabwe was advised by the Zambezi River Authority to shut down its Kariba South Hydro Power Plant to allow water to refill in the Kariba Dam.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Eskom Implements Stage 4 Blackouts Until Monday Morning

South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, has said it cannot supply Zimbabwe more than it does now because as it “does not have any access to capacity”.
Eskom has a contract with Zimbabwe to supply electricity.
The remarks come after the Zambezi River Authority’s <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/severe-load-shedding-looms-as-zra-tells-zesa-to-shut-down-kariba-power-station/">directive to Zimbabwe to close</a> its Kariba South hydroelectric power station due to <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/11/25/kariba-dam-water-levels-fall-to-5-63/">a recession in water levels.</a>
Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha told <a href="https://www.citizen.co.za/news/eskom-cut-off-zimbabwe-sas-grid-collapse/">The Citizen SA</a> that the power utility cannot help Zimbabwe. 
Mantshantsha’s remarks were echoed by Energy and Political analyst Tshepo Kgadima who said Zimbabweans should brace themselves for a dark Christmas as the region awaits a recovery from the rainfall season. He is quoted as saying:
<blockquote>
I don’t know how they would do that under the current climate, previous years, let’s say seven, eight years ago, that was feasible, but today is not at all, it’s not feasible.
And if they do it now, on political grounds and not on technical grounds or obeying the laws of physics then South Africa’s grid is going to collapse.
Here is the thing that we need to maybe ask the river system has a hydro capacity of 20 000 megawatts, now they knew this how many years ago? How come they’ve never done anything to increase that capacity?
</blockquote>
According to a letter dated 25 November from the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), which runs the Kariba Dam jointly owned by Zimbabwe and neighbouring Zambia, the dam no longer has any usable water to continue undertaking power generation operations.
ZRA noted that the Kariba South Hydro Power Station which provides Zimbabwe with about 70% of its electricity and has been producing significantly less than its capacity of 1,050 megawatts in recent years due to receding water levels caused by droughts.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

"Eskom Cannot Supply Zimbabwe More Than It Does Now" - Spokesperson

South Africa’s power utility, Eskom has announced that another coal truck driver was arrested on Tuesday at the Camden Power Station after he was found in possession of sub-grade coal destined for Eskom. The power utility has been struggling to supply enough power to the whole nation citing vandalism and faults. In a statement seen by Pindula News, Eskom said more arrests are expected. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>Another coal truck driver arrested at Camden Power Station for tampering with coal</h2>
Wednesday, 23 November 2022: Another coal delivery truck driver was arrested on Tuesday at the Camden Power Station after he was found in possession of sub-grade coal destined for Eskom. The truck belongs to a transporter that is contracted to deliver coal to Eskom. Two other truck drivers were arrested at the same power station while in possession of stolen coal two weeks ago.
While the truck left the mine with the correct specification of coal, the swapping with the inferior quality coal occurred at a known illegal coal yard in the area, prior to the delivery being made at the Camden Power Station.
During questioning, the truck driver admitted that he was allowed to exit the Wonderfontein Coal Mine by security, without the tarpaulins on the truck being sealed with the prescribed seals and that the seals remained in his possession on exit.
The driver was placed under arrest and a criminal case with various charges was opened with the South African Police Services at Ermelo. CAS 241/11/2022. The truck and trailer were also impounded. More arrests are expected.
The Bidvest Protea Coin Tactical Task Team, who are contracted to Eskom to investigate coal, diesel and fuel oil theft cases, detected the truck as it left the illegal coal yard in Middelburg. The team followed the truck to the Camden Power Station where it was stopped at the gate.
The driver further alleged that an employee of the mine instructed him to proceed to the illegal coal yard in Middelburg and to offload the coal before proceeding to Camden Power Station. He was further directed by the said mine employee to deliver the replaced coal product to Eskom— which is sub-standard obtained coal from the illegal coal yard. The trailer was sealed at the illegal coal stockyard using the issued seals after the sub-grade coal was loaded and the driver proceeded to the power station to deliver the coal.
“The arrest of these unscrupulous individuals is a significant step in our fight against crime in Eskom, and we shall continue in our pursuit to ensure that the perpetrators face the full might of the law,” said Advocate Karen Pillay, General Manager for Security at Eskom. The persistent and excellent work by the Eskom Security Team, Bidvest Protea Coin Tactical Task Team, and the South African Police Services (SAPS), who are all working tirelessly to identify and disrupt the criminal networks, are an indication of our determination to root out the criminal elements from Eskom, said Adv Pillay.
In an interesting turn of events, the Investigator from Bidvest Protea Coin was offered a R50 000 bribe for the release of the driver when he engaged on the matter. The bribe was duly declined.
Stockpiles of coal destined for Eskom from the contracted mines are pre-tested and certified by both parties. It is required that the delivery coal trucks are inspected at source and the trailers are sealed on site for security purposes. The seals are to remain intact until the truck reaches the Eskom power station where it is again inspected for tampering before the coal is off-loaded. However, Eskom has discovered that the processes are deliberately bypassed by some criminal elements in the mines, transporters and Eskom alike. The replacement of quality coal with discard coal has a serious negative impact on the plants and production at the power stations.
Coal theft is highly organised criminal activity and syndicates involved are being enriched through the proceeds derived from the trade in stolen coal. Eskom continues to lose billions of rands due to the misappropriation of coal and similar commodities which directly affects production. There are several illicit coal stockyards and dump sites in the province who are recipients of the stolen coal.
Eskom will provide the required support to the SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority to ensure that the suspect/s are successfully prosecuted and that a stiff sanction is meted out as a favourable outcome will serve to deter other would-be offenders.
Eskom urges the public to report information regarding theft of coal, fuel oil and diesel to the Eskom Crime Line: 0800 11 27 22.
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

South Africa: Another Coal Truck Driver Arrested, Offers R50K Bribe

South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, has advised members of the public to be alert after an electricity line was broken in Free Estate. In a notice seen by Pindula News, the power utility said the damage was caused by storms adding that an estimated time of repair is still unknown. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>Electricity supply to QwaQwa interrupted due to broken conductor on 132kV line</h2>
THURSDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2022: A broken conductor on Eskom’s Sorata-Witsieshoek 132kV line has led to a loss of supply to QwaOwa in the Eastern Free State. This line feeds the OwaQwa, Phuthaditjhaba and Witsieshoek substations. 
The conductor broke during a storm in the early hours of Wednesday, 16 November 2022. Due to the wet terrain and continuous rainfall. Eskom has thus far been unable to access the affected site to replace the conductor.
Continuous assessment of the terrain is being done and specialised teams have been called upon to facilitate the repairs. An estimated time of repair is Still unknown, but restoration of supply will commence as soon as Eskom’s vehicles can access the site. It is however unlikely that repairs will start today as the soil moisture levels are still too high.
We apologise for the inconvenience and assure customers that repairs are being attended to with the required urgency. 
In addition, customers are urged to stay clear of any damaged infrastructure and to report faults and unsafe conditions through one of Eskom’s customer self-service channels. i.e. Alfred the Chatbot (hrtps://alfred.eskom.co.za/chatroonV). MyEskom Customer App (download for Android or for IOS). CS Online platform (www.csonline.co.za) or Contact Centre (08600 37566). Electricity users are urged to treat all electrical lines, sockets, and appliances as live and dangerous.
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

South Africa: Eskom Warns Members Of The Public As Storms Break Electricity Line

South Africa has said the power crisis is far from over saying there could be about two years more of intense load-shedding.
The country’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) said Eskom, the local power utility, is failing to meet demand.
South Africans have had over 1.900 hours of blackouts this year alone, eNCA News reported citing Monique le Roux, a Senior Researcher at the CSIR.
The CSIR says there has been an increase in unplanned outages. Monique le Roux said:
<blockquote>
Unless Eskom starts putting new capacity on the grid, load shedding is here to remain and the predictions now are that it is probably going to be another 2-3 years of intense load shedding and then hopefully as the IPP procurement programmes come online and get connected then there will be some easing of the load shedding.
</blockquote>
This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa had said it is difficult for the government to promise immediate alternatives to address power cuts at schools.
Ramaphosa answered questions in Parliament on Thursday, 4 November 2022.
He admitted that blackouts continue to be a challenge to the country.
Ramaphosa said some steps have been taken to reduce interruptions at healthcare facilities.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

South Africa Says Load-shedding Is Here To Stay

South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, has suspended blackouts for Sunday.
The embattled power utility has been implementing various stages of rolling blackouts for the past few weeks.
In a notice seen by Pindula News, Eskom said it will publish a statement about load-shedding during weekdays. Reads the post on the microblogging site, Twitter:
<blockquote>
Loadshedding has been suspended at 12:00 today. Eskom will this afternoon publish a statement about the loadshedding profile for next week.
</blockquote>
Eskom says power cuts were implemented to preserve emergency reserves.
The power utility which is owed about R50 billion by municipalities and government departments has in recent years been <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/south-africa-eskom-announces-stage-2-load-shedding-starting-monday/">rolling out load-shedding</a> in view of the shortage of generation capacity and breakdowns.
Meanwhile, the World Bank recently approved South Africa’s application for funding to kickstart the Just Energy Transition Project at Komati power station.
Eskom will receive a cash injection of R9 billion to fund the project that will eventually add renewables to South Africa’s energy mix.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

South Africa: Eskom Suspends Blackouts For Sunday

South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa has said municipalities and some government departments owe Eskom over R50 billion.
This was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa while answering questions in Parliament, <a href="https://www.enca.com/news/ramaphosa-says-eskom-owed-over-r50bn">eNCA news</a> reported.
Power cuts, unpaid Eskom debt and public servants’ salaries took centre stage during Ramaphosa’s question and answer session in Parliament on Thursday.
Ramaphosa says this is unacceptable. He said:
<blockquote>
The debt that is owed to Eskom by municipalities, as well as government departments, stands at more than R50 billion.
We’ve made it clear that non-payment for services is unacceptable. We’ve taken a number of steps to ensure that payment of these debts is recovered.
</blockquote>
A multi-disciplinary revenue committee has been established to look into the matter.
ESKOM has in recent years been <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/south-africa-eskom-announces-stage-2-load-shedding-starting-monday/">rolling out load-shedding</a> in view of the shortage of generation capacity and breakdowns.
South Africa’s neighbour, Zimbabwe, has also been experiencing acute power shortages in recent years.
Critics attribute the situations in the countries to maladministration by “corrupt” authorities.
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South Africa: Ramaphosa Says Eskom Owed R50 Billion By Municipalities, Govt Departments

South Africa’s power utility, Eskom will implement stage 2 blackouts from 5 AM starting tomorrow (Monday).
In a statement seen by Pindula News, Eskom said stage 2 load-shedding will be implemented from 05:00 on Monday until 05:00 on Tuesday. 
Stage 2 load-shedding will then be implemented during the evening peaks from 16:00 until midnight on both Tuesday and Wednesday.
Eskom will publish a further update on Wednesday afternoon, or as soon as there are any significant changes.
Since yesterday afternoon a unit each at Tutuka and Matimba power stations were taken offline for repairs. 
A unit each at Kendal, Kusile, Matla and Tutuka power stations was returned to service. Added Eskom:
<blockquote>
We currently have 4 886MW on planned maintenance, while another 13 792MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.
Loadshedding is implemented only as a last resort in view of the shortage of generation capacity and the need to attend to breakdowns.
</blockquote>
New research from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research shows that 2022 is exceeding 2021 as the year with the most frequent power cuts, by 228 per cent.
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South Africa: Eskom Announces Stage 2 Load-shedding Starting Monday

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party led by Julius Malema has said the <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/south-africa-announces-new-eskom-board-amid-increasing-blackouts/">appointment of the new ESKOM Board</a> will not solve <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/eskom-stage-2-power-cuts-to-continue/">the power crisis bedevilling South Africa.</a> Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan also appointed 13 non-executive directors who collectively bring engineering, energy policy and delivery, and accounting expertise. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the EFF party said the crisis is complex. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>THE EFF STATEMENT ON THE NEW BOARD OF ESKOM AND THE ENERGY CRISIS IN SOUTH AFRICA</h2>
Friday, 30 September 2022
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes the announcement of the new board of ESKOM by Jamnandas Gordhan. We strongly believe that the appointment of a new board will not help in solving the many crises of ESKOM, including huge debt, neglected strategic energy infrastructure, and now perennial load shedding. The crises of ESKOM are primarily fourfold:
<h2>1) Lack of coherent energy policy for South Africa</h2>
South Africa does not have a practical and implementable energy plan. This is evident in the chopping and changing of direction; the failure to build additional generation capacity despite evidence of growing demand; and the current collapse of more than half of Eskom’s generation capacity. The current incoherent energy policy based on the misguided notion that seeks to significantly replace coal with wind and solar power and close down more than 18 gigawatts of Eskom’s older coal capacity by 2035 is driven by nefarious intentions to collapse Eskom’s generation capacity and not commodity electricity. Once Eskom does not have a monopoly over electricity generation and supplies electricity to all as a public good, electricity will become not only expensive but will be produced on the basis of profiteering and greed. 
A sound and coherent energy policy should secure the minimum amount of electricity supply that is needed to keep the lights on every day for the whole year without interruption. Furthermore, a coherent policy that can guarantee dependable and interruption. Furthermore, a coherent policy that can guarantee dependable and affordable electricity is needed for economic growth as a public good and not some commodified tradeable assets on the Johannesburg Gambling Stock Exchange. Equally important, a coherent energy policy should be underscored by state-ownership of electricity generation that has the capacity to generate electricity from coal, nuclear, gas, wind, solar, and other dependable sources with an appropriate balance.
At the heart of a good energy policy is a clear, believable, and doable plan to plan, build, and maintain electricity infrastructure in a way that doesn’t put future generations in debt.
<h2>2) Irrational imposition of IPPs</h2>
IPPs are at the core of Eskom’s financial disarray. Eskom admits that the primary energy costs increased because of the use of more expensive IPP sources and yet there is a desperate drive to entrench IPPs at Eskom. In 2019 and 2020, there was a dishonest commitment to renegotiate contracted prices with IPPs in an effort to bring down rampant primary-energy costs. The EFF warned anyone who cared to listen that those who made the commitments were speaking with forked tongue as there was no intention of doing that. We are vindicated today because Eskom’s own financial statements show that the 13% increase in primary energy costs is the major contributor to the R18.9 billion net loss reported in March 2021.
South Africa’s financial sector has recklessly over-exposed itself by giving unjustified loans to many of the IPPs’ renewable projects with the hope that future generation of electricity will be solely supplied by these IPPs. Nedbank alone has financed more than 42 renewable energy projects and can only get its money back if Eskom collapses. As a result, any decision, be it irrational or nonsensical, is driven by the need to secure these irresponsible loans, at the expense of the South African economy.
To stabilise Eskom finances, all contracts with IPPs, particularly for renewable energy, should be cancelled and the misguided programme to open up more bid windows like the Minister of Energy is doing should be stopped.
<h2>3) Incompetent and clueless CEO and COO</h2>
The EFF has been a lone voice in calling for the immediate firing of the Eskom board and the incompetent and useless Chief Executive Officer Andre de Ruyter and Chief Operating Officer Jan Oberholzer. We maintain that the incompetence and arrogance of Eskom’s CEO and COO have fastened the collapse of a system that was all on its way to collapse. De Ruyter was appointed to champion renewable projects from inside Eskom and has now made it his business to dedicate the whole of Eskom to being a buyer of electricity from renewable projects. This is evident by the consistent collapse of power generation as Eskom is now neglecting maintenance and is failing to procure spare parts. Instead, he spends most of his time attending panels of United States of America-sponsored propaganda, speaking about things he does not know.
De Ruyter failed to manage a simple food packaging company, and they appointed him well knowing that he would fail to manage Eskom’s complex system, a necessary ingredient to collapse Eskom quicker. Cyril Ramaphosa’s belief in De Ruyter is not a belief in his competence but an understanding that he will deliver on the mandate to entrench IPPs and collapse Eskom. As long as the incompetent, useless, clueless, and directionless CEO and COO remain in office, the appointment of the new board is meaningless.
<h2>4) Conflict of interest</h2>
The people appointed by Jamnandas Gordhan since his appointment as Minister of Public Enterprises are conflicted. He first appointed Jabu Mabuza as Eskom Board Chairperson, CEO and supplier all at the same time. Now he has appointed Paul Mpho Makwana, who currently serves as Chairperson of Nedbank, as an independent non-executive director of BTE Renewables, two beneficiaries of the collapse of Eskom. Makwana has no interest in the existence of Eskom in a manner that will secure dependable and affordable electricity as a public good for all. His appointment as Chairperson of the Eskom Board is a demonstration of how emboldened Jamnandas is, who feels he is above all, including acceptable good governance practices.
The EFF maintains that the immediate solutions to South Africa’s energy crisis are to remove De Ruyter and Oberholzer from Eskom premises; standardise all coal prices; urgently complete Medupi and Kusile; and cancel all power purchasing agreements based on a clear and coherent energy policy that puts Eskom and clean coal generation at the centre of electricity baseload. The appointment of the Eskom Board announced by Jamnandas will not stop load shedding.
The South African government should seriously consider seeking the expertise of black executives who previously managed the crises of load shedding. The recycling of Solidarity members has proven to be a dismal failure.
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

EFF Comments On Appointment Of New ESKOM Board

South Africa’s Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan has announced a new ESKOM board replacing its chair as the power crisis continues unabated.
He also appointed 13 non-executive directors who collectively bring engineering, energy policy and delivery, and accounting expertise. 
Gordhan has retained Dr Rod Crompton, an expert in policy on energy, who will be part of the new Eskom board. 
<h2>These are the new board members: </h2>
<blockquote>
1). Mpho Makwana is the new Eskom board chair. Makwana was the acting CEO of Eskom from 2009 and 2010, leading the power utility’s team that kept the lights on during the 2010 Fifa World Cup. 
2). Busisiwe Vilakazi, who holds a BPhil in engineering science from Oxford University. She’s the head of research innovation at the State Information Technology Agency.
3). Lwazi Goqwana has a background in manufacturing, construction, financial services, logistics, and energy. He previously worked in the Department of Public Works. From 2019 to 2021, he was on the ministerial task team improvements and recommendations for Eskom.
4). Mthetho Nyathi has a degree in mechanical engineering and was chief executive of MTN SA. He served in IBM and Microsoft, as well as group CEO at Altron.
5). Leslie Mkhabela is an attorney, experienced in the restructuring of state-owned assets.
6). Fatima Ghani is a chartered accountant operating within the financial sector in various capacities, as well as in businesses that have operated in the middle east and across the African continent.
7). Ayanda Mafuleka is a chartered accountant and CEO of Fasset, a Sector Education and Training Authority for the finance, accounting, and management consulting sectors.
8). Tsakani Mthombeni has experience working for mining giants Gold Fields and Anglo American. A senior engineer, Mthombeni was responsible for ensuring that Anglo’s mining operations adapted to climate change.
9). Claudelle von Eck is a change management expert.
10). Tryphosa Romano is a chartered accountant whose experience includes overseeing the assets and liabilities of National Treasury and being CFO at cement company PPC.
11). Bheki Ntshalintshali is a trade unionist and previously the general secretary of Cosatu.
12). Clive le Roux was chief nuclear officer at Eskom, having had key roles at Koeberg and Matimba. Le Roux has been helping Eskom in the last ten years but is now retired. He was a member of the team of experienced engineers familiar with the Eskom plant.
13). Rod Crompton is director of the Energy Leadership Centre at Wits Business School. He has experience in policy, strategy and economic regulation in the energy sector.
</blockquote>
The new board has been appointed on a three-year term, effective from 1 October 2022. Gordhan said the mandate of the new board will include, among other things, supporting the efforts of Eskom’s executive leadership to improve the performance of its power stations, which are susceptible to breakdowns that cause rolling blackouts. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

South Africa Announces New ESKOM Board Amid Increasing Blackouts

Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) president Mike Kamungeremu said the country needs to quickly focus on its own power generation, as power shortages in South Africa threaten local industry.
Over the past few weeks, South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, reported that several coal-powered generation units had broken down owing to old age and poor maintenance.
There are fears that power blackouts in South Africa will result in:
<blockquote>
1). reduced power supply to Zimbabwe. Eskom used to sell up to 400MW of electricity per month to Zimbabwe
2). a delay in delivery of imports from SA by local industry.,
3). a rise in electricity prices in the region as SA will look beyond its borders to secure electricity for its industry.
</blockquote>
Kamungeremu told NewsDay Business that Zimbabwe has other options but should now focus on ensuring that its power generators can produce enough power for the whole nation. He said on Eskom’s power blackouts:
<blockquote>
It could have some effect since we import power from them but I don’t want to read much into that. We have other options like Mozambique and Zambia but our real focus must actually be on our own power generating infrastructure.
We have been informed that Hwange 7 and 8 are nearing completion and that’s sweet news to our ears. We would rather look forward to the 600 megawatts expected from those plants than worrying about power cuts in South Africa.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has a power deficit of between 1 000MW and 1 600MW and as a result, has been importing US$17 million worth of power monthly to meet the local electricity generation shortfall.
Shortages of foreign currency limited imports. Last year, ZESA spent US$225 million on power imports.
<h2>What’s being done:</h2>
The government is upgrading and adding new generation units to the power plants at the Kariba and Hwange power stations. 
Kariba’s two generating units that are being constructed have the capacity to generate 300MW of power while Hwange will see two more units being added with a combined capacity of 600MW.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

ZNCC President Says Zimbabwe Should Focus On Own Power Generating Infrastructure

Zimbabwean industrialists have said <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/eff-calls-for-the-immediate-firing-of-eskom-board-ceo-and-coo/">power cuts in South Africa</a> will have a negative impact on the Zimbabwean industry.
A Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe (CoMZ) executive said South Africa’s power crisis had emerged as the worst blow against the country’s ambition to build a US$12 billion mining economy.
He said industrial capacity utilisation rates projected at over 60% this year were under threat as firms will cut production. <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/theindependent/local-news/article/200000894/sa-blackouts-bleed-zim-industry">The Independent</a> cites the CoMZ official as saying:
<blockquote>
Production will be disrupted if no imports are available to augment power shortfalls.
Now that South Africa has power shortages, their ability to export power to countries like Zimbabwe will be diminished. South Africa will most certainly augment their power by sourcing from the region.
This will put pressure or competition on other alternative power suppliers in the region, pushing up the tariff because South Africa is a big country. Their power deficits are far bigger than ours.
We will end up importing power at a higher tariff from the region and our plans to expand production will be equally affected.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe imports about 150 megawatts (MW) of power from South Africa to augment the subdued output from its ageing plants and other imports from at least three Southern African neighbours.
Last year, ZESA spent US$225 million on power imports from regional utilities, including in South Africa, according to official data.
But there have been cutbacks since South African utility Eskom announced drastic reductions in generation of up to 2 400MW.
ESKOM announced last week that it will roll out stages 3 and or 4 this week as the power crisis deepens.
On the domestic front, the past five months have been disastrous for Zimbabwe with blackouts lasting about 12 hours a day.
There is still no hope for a solution in the near future after Finance minister Mthuli Ncube told reporters last week Monday that further cuts may be announced in November as he takes into consideration emerging economic dynamics.
On Saturday 24 September 2022, the local power utility, ZESA announced <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/09/25/zesa-announces-increased-nationwide-load-shedding-2/">increased load-shedding</a> citing technical challenges at the countries’ power generators.
Authorities, however, hope that blackouts would be curtailed once the first of the two new generating units at the Hwange is brought on line in November. Unit 7 is expected to pump 300MW into the grid.
But Christopher Mugaga, chief executive officer at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), said elevated blackout levels were “spill-over effects” of problems confronting South Africa. Mugaga said:
<blockquote>
It is compromising the quantity of power to Zimbabwe. And even if Hwange 7 and 8 are brought on line, we will still feel the impact of power shortages in South Africa because this will have an impact on the cost of importing power from the entire region. Zimbabwe will pay more, we remain vulnerable.
</blockquote>
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZ) president Kurai Matsheza said the importation of finished or processed goods may be curtailed and spur Zimbabwe manufacturers. 
Matsheza’s remarks were echoed by Oswell Binha, chairperson at CEO Africa Roundtable, who said since South Africa is Zimbabwe’s biggest trading partner, all inputs from there will be delayed.
Economist Chenayi Mutambasere also echoed the sentiments above.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

"Zimbabwe Industry Will Be Greatly Affected By Power Cuts In South Africa" - Industrialists

Severe power cuts currently being experienced in South Africa have disrupted operations at the Beitbridge Border Post resulting in delays and the formation of long queues spanning back as far as 4km.
A loss of power at the border meant that passport documents “could not be scanned by officials”, causing a major tailback, reported <a href="https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/breaking-beitbridge-border-closed-open-delays-load-shedding-tuesday-20-september/">The South African</a>.
Reports indicate that southbound cargo heading into South Africa on Tuesday remained stuck on the Zimbabwean side of the border, as equipment used to process these deliveries has also been badly affected.
Cars, trucks, and even people on foot are now being held-up at Beitbridge Border Post due to “network challenges”.
South Africa has been experiencing longer power cuts over the past few days, with the country’s power utility, Eskom, implementing Stage 6 on Sunday.

Load Shedding In SA Paralyses Operations At Beitbridge Border Post

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) an opposition party in South Africa, has called for the firing of the entire board of ESCOM, that country’s power utility, its CEO and COO. In a statement seen by Pindula News, the party led by Julius Malema, a former ANC Youth League leader, said ESKOM leadership’s incompetency had plunged South Africa, formerly Azania, into a continuous power crisis. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>EFF CALLS FOR THE IMMEDIATE FIRING OF ESKOM BOARD, CEO AND COO</h2>
Monday, 19 September 2022
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) calls for the immediate firing of Eskom’s entire board, including the incompetent and useless Chief Executive Officer Andre de Ruyter and Chief Operating Officer Jan Oberholzer. The incompetence and arrogance of Eskom executives has plunged South Africa into a perpetual and unwarranted darkness that is killing businesses and livelihoods. The collapse of Eskom and the failure to prove dependable and consistent energy supply are meant to render the country’s electricity utility redundant and useless.
We have consistently warned against the immoral and dishonest intention of handing over South Africa’s energy generation sovereignty to the greedy establishment that will influence all spheres of life, including the future of the country’s political future. The lie perpetuated by Eskom’s incompetent executives and so-called energy analysts is that the country does not have enough renewable energy to provide electricity when there is mechanical breakdown and maintenance, and that Eskom is cash-strapped. The reality is that the crisis facing Eskom is man-made.
The EFF, in February 2020, led a march to Eskom against blackouts and privatization and handed over a memorandum of clear, practical, and implementable demands. Some of the demands we made were:
1. Emphatic call for an end to blackouts 
2. Suspension of all processes to retrench workers 
3. Review of all power purchasing agreements with independent power producers designed to benefit the racist financial sector. 
4. Standardization of all coal prices and only paying the prices determined by the National Energy Regulatory Authority of South Africa. 
5. Finish building Kusile and Medupi and set up a coal mine so that coal can be sent directly to the Kusile power station instead of by truck. 
These key demands, amongst many others, were made to Eskom and the executive was given 30 days to respond in detail to each demand. We made it clear that the inability of Eskom to supply dependable and consistent electricity to households and businesses is a threat to South Africa’s security and social stability and is killing the economy. However, because there is no sense of urgency and honesty, the Eskom board and executive management have failed to respond to our demands. Also, Eskom has also failed to put in place practical steps to resolve the energy crisis.
The EFF warned about the appointment of de Ruyter and Oberholzer, whose appointment was purely based on the color of their skin because there was enough undisputable evidence that they did not have either the technical or executive experience to manage complex systems. If anything, the evidence showed clearly that du Ruyter failed to manage a food packaging company and that giving him the responsibility to manage the country’s energy generation was reckless. Since his appointment, de Ruyter has shed more than 4,366 GWh in 2 years, more than the past 13 CEOs appointed in the last 15 years.
The government must immediately fire de Ruyter, together with Oberholzer and the Board, before the end of the day. We call for the firing of the board, CEO, and COO, knowing very well that Cyril Ramaphosa’s cowardice will not allow him to take decisive steps. The EFF warns that failure to fire Eskom’s board, CEO, and COO will require us to take more radical steps to ensure that competent, dependable, and fit people are in charge of Eskom to resolve the energy crisis and bring an end to blackouts that have become a permanent feature of our lives.
Sustainable and practical long-term solution to South Africa is balanced energy mix that includes state-owned and control generation through nuclear, renewable, coal and other sources. 
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

EFF Calls For The Immediate Firing Of ESKOM Board, CEO And COO

Cement manufacturing company, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Pretoria_Portland_Cement_Limited">PPC Zimbabwe</a> has said it is ready to study implementing the US$43 million solar project after securing the required funding.
PPC Zimbabwe Managing Director Mr Kelibone Masiyane made the announcement on Wednesday last week during a fact-finding visit by the Parliamentary portfolio committee on Industry and Commerce. 
The project is set to be carried out on two farms which will produce 30 megawatts with the Bulawayo plant requiring only 17 megawatts, while the remaining 13 megawatts are set to be fed into the national grid.
A total of 20 000 solar panels will be installed at a farm in Umguza just next to the Bulawayo plant while 40 000 panels will be put up in Colleen Bawn, Gwanda with all the panels being the sun tracking type. 
Mr Masiyane said they had completed financial closure paving way for work to commence on the ground. He said:
<blockquote>
We are spending roughly about US$43 million for two solar plants, one in Colleen Bawn and the other here in Bulawayo. We have thus concluded the financial closure in the last two weeks so now that it is done you must start seeing some activity on the ground.
We are investing in solar, green energy which is part of our de-carbonisation journey. As a cement producer you are aware that we are notorious for releasing a lot of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
If you look at annual release, we contribute about eight percent of global emissions as cement producers.
</blockquote>
The development comes as Zimbabwe is failing to generate enough power for local consumption. Zimbabwe’s power-generating capacity is 1 400 megawatts, but the projected national peak demand is 2 400 megawatts.
The southern African country imports some electricity from South Africa and Mozambique, nevertheless, imports are not enough to cover the deficit.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

PPC Zimbabwe Says It's Ready To Start Implementing The US$43 million Solar Project

The 2020 National Young Champion Farmer Award winner, Pardon Mhuri, has said incessant power cuts threatened his yields. He told The Standard that he has turned to solar energy to continue operating. 
Mhuri began the farming enterprise in 2013 with two hectares of tobacco at his farm in Karoi Mashonaland West province.
<a href="https://thestandard.newsday.co.zw/2022/08/07/power-cuts-spur-zimbabwes-green-energy-revolution/">The Standard</a> reports that the farmer now is farming on 863 hectares, growing sugar beans, wheat and vegetables in addition to tobacco. He told the publication:
<blockquote>
We rely heavily on electricity on the farm.
For over a decade, the country has been facing an electricity challenge, so I have to install a powerful solar system.
</blockquote>
Over the past few years, Zimbabwe has been experiencing a massive power deficit with Energy and Power Development minister Zhemu  Soda last month warning that the country might endure rolling power cuts beyond August due to depressed generation capacity.
Soda said the government was making frantic efforts to ease the power cuts through imports and rehabilitation of the Hwange Thermal Power Station.
Zimbabwe requires 2 000 megawatts (MW) of electricity monthly to meet power demand and 50MW from Mozambique’s Hydro Cahora Bassa and 400MW from South Africa are still inadequate to close the supply gap.
Energy expert Koen van Kuijk said the fact that Zimbabwe has an average annual of 8.3 sun hours per day makes the country suitable for solar energy.
ZESA says there were plenty of independent power producers that were expected to start their various projects and add to the national grid.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

2020 National Young Champion Farmer Award Winner Bemoans Power Cuts

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has signed a power purchasing agreement with South African independent power producer, Matshela Energy Limited, which will pave way for the construction of a 100-megawatt solar plant in Gwanda.
Matshela Energy managing director, Matshela Koko, who is a former Eskom interim chief executive, announced the signing of the deal in a statement released on 04 August 2022. Said, Koko:
<blockquote>
Matshela Energy is pleased to announce that the power purchase agreement between the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) and Matshela Energy (PTY) Limited for the 100 MW Solar PV Power Plant has been concluded.
Matshela Energy is licensed in terms of section 42 of the Electricity Act to construct, own, operate, and maintain the 100 MW Solar PV Power Station and associated battery storage facility with a capacity of 40 MWh at Gwanda Timber Farm, Gwanda in Matabeleland South Province.
This is a landmark achievement by Matshela Energy, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), ZETDC, the Department of Energy and Power Development in Zimbabwe, and other related parties.
With the power purchase agreement signed, we are working towards financial close under ZERA’S stipulated timelines.
According to the signed power purchase agreement, the Government Support Agreement must be concluded within the next 180 days from the signature date.
A Government Support Agreement is an agreement between the Government of Zimbabwe acting through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the independent power producer (IPP) that set out terms on which the Government of Zimbabwe provides incentives and assistance to the IPP.
We are confident that the Government Support Agreement will be concluded within the stipulated period.
</blockquote>
Koko said will be one of the largest renewable energy and storage in Zimbabwe and the region. He said:
<blockquote>
The 100 MW Solar PV and 40 MWh storage project signifies a change within the Southern African energy landscape, and it will be one of the largest renewable energy and storage in Zimbabwe and the region.
We have come a long way since we started with this project in 2018. We shall not falter. 
The people of Gwanda have been good to us, and we owe it to them to succeed.
</blockquote>

Former Eskom Boss To Build A 100MW Solar Power Plant In Gwanda

<a href="https://thestandard.newsday.co.zw/2022/07/31/power-crisis-needs-practical-solutions/">The Standard</a> Editorial has said the perennial electricity deficit that has been experienced in Zimbabwe resulted from poor planning and misplaced priorities.
Zimbabwe is failing to generate enough power and has been sourcing some electricity from neighbouring South Africa and Mozambique. Recently, there were plans to engage Zambia which declared a power surplus.

<ul>
<li><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/07/27/zimbabwe-south-africa-to-import-electricity-from-zambia-this-august/">Zimbabwe, South Africa To Import Electricity From Zambia This August</a></li>
<li><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/07/28/zambia-asks-zimbabwe-to-prepay-us6-3m-monthly-for-100mw-electricity/">Zambia Asks Zimbabwe To “Prepay” US$6.3m Monthly For 100MW Electricity</a></li>
<li><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/07/29/sa-putting-pressure-on-zambia-to-acquire-zimbabwes-electricity-contracts/">SA ‘Putting Pressure’ On Zambia To Acquire Zimbabwe’s Electricity Contracts</a></li>
</ul>
This Sunday, <a href="https://thestandard.newsday.co.zw/2022/07/31/power-crisis-needs-practical-solutions/">the Standard</a> editorial said the power crisis in Zimbabwe could have been avoided. Reads part of the editorial:
<blockquote>
The electricity deficit that has been haunting Zimbabwe for many years points to a lack of proper planning by the government and misplaced priorities.
Zimbabwe has three coal-fired power stations in Harare, Munyati and Bulawayo that are operating at well below their capacity due to neglect over the years by the government.
Over the years, the government has also awarded to several licences to independent power producers (IPPs) to complement Zesa’s power generation, but very few have taken off and those that are producing electricity are struggling because of a tariff structure that does not make economic sense.
Zesa is forced to charge sub-economic tariffs most of the time because the government takes time to review the charges, which cannot keep up with movements on the exchange rate.
</blockquote>
The Standard added that ZESA is also being crippled by debtors, including government departments, who owe it billions of dollars.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Perennial Electricity Deficit Haunting Zimbabwe Points To Poor Planning - The Standard

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa turned to the private sector in a bid to end a 14-year-old power crisis that the government has failed to resolve.
Companies will be allowed to build power plants of any size without a license to meet their own needs and to sell it to the grid, he said.
Ramaphosa in a televised address on Monday also announced the doubling of an upcoming power supply tender and said the owners of buildings and houses will be able to sell power from rooftop solar panels to the grid. He said:
<blockquote>
We will in the meantime waive or streamline certain regulatory requirements where it is possible to do so within existing legislation. This includes reducing the regulatory requirements for solar projects in areas of low and medium environmental sensitivity.
</blockquote>
This, according to the ANC leader, will enable Eskom, South Africa’s power utility, to expand power lines and substations without needing to get environmental authorisation in areas of low and medium sensitivity and within the strategic electricity corridors.
South Africa has experienced load-shedding since 2007 but the current outages are the worst in the country’s history, according to local media. 
In April 2022 alone, 1 054 gigawatt-hours of power got cut nationwide, compared to 2 521 gigawatt-hours cut for all of 2021.
Sometimes it only happens once a day, for two hours. On other days, rolling blackouts can last eight hours or more, crippling economic activity and disrupting life in a nation of 60 million people, which is still struggling to get back on its feet following Ovid-19  the pandemic.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

South Africa: Ramaphosa Turns To The Private Sector To End A 14-year-old Power Crisis

Zambia’s integrated power utility ZESCO has declared that the country has a surplus capacity of about 1 000 megawatts (MW) at a time the country is also enjoying an economic rebound.
This is happening as neighbouring Zimbabwe and <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/11/07/eskom-stage-2-power-cuts-to-continue/">South Africa</a> are struggling with <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/07/22/zesa-cant-have-load-shedding-when-weve-guests-president-mnangagwa/">daily power cuts</a> lasting several hours.

<ul>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/07/11/zambian-kwacha-now-stronger-than-the-south-african-rand/">Zambian Kwacha Now Stronger Than The South African Rand</a></li>
<li class="entry-title"><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/07/13/south-african-rand-weakens-amid-fears-of-a-global-recession/">South African Rand Weakens Amid Fears Of A Global Recession</a></li>
</ul>
Zimbabwe blames power insufficiency on <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/12/14/zesa-increases-load-shedding-after-shutting-down-3-units-at-kariba/">breakdowns at its ageing power plants</a>.
ZESCO Managing Director Eng. Victor Mapani said currently, the installed national generation capacity stands at 3 456.8 MW compared to a peak national demand of approximately 2 300MW, according to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/as-zimbabwe-struggles-with-prolonged-daily-blackouts-zambia-declares-huge-1000mw-electricity-surplus/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>.
He was speaking during a high-level panel discussion at the ongoing Association of Power Utilities of Africa (APUA) meeting in Dakar, Senegal. He said:
<blockquote>
We thus have a surplus of 1,156.8 MW that is available for trade within the interconnected SAPP network.
Currently four out of five units are already commissioned and running. We expect to commission the last 150 MW machine, unit 5 by November this year.
</blockquote>
He also said that ZESCO was using internally generated resources to progress the 750 MW Kafue Gorge Lower (KGL) hydro project which was being constructed at a cost of approx.$2.3 billion and will be completed later this year in November.
In Zimbabwe, the country has for years struggled with a crippling deficit as it generates about 1 300 megawatts against peak demand estimated at about 2 000 MW.
Installed generating capacity installed capacity of 2 240 megawatts cannot be exploited due to antiquated equipment and frequent breakdowns at power plants.
Imports of 500 MW from Mozambique’s Hydro Cahora Bassa and 400MW from South Africa’s ESKOM are still inadequate to close the supply gap.
Zimbabwe is, however, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/07/29/usd1-5-billion-hwange-expansion-project-well-on-course-zesa/">modernising and expanding existing power plants and building new ones with financial backing from China</a> with a view to becoming a net energy exporter as part of its plan to turn the country into an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Zambia Declares Power Surplus Of 1 000MW

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Energy_Distribution_and_Transmission_Company">Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC)</a>, a subsidiary of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/ZESA">Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA)</a> has announced increased load-shedding starting on Wednesday the 13th of July 2022. In a statement seen by Pindula News, ZETDC said power cuts will be implemented nationwide. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>NOTICE ON INCREASED LOAD CURTAILMENT: NATIONWIDE</h2>
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) would like to advise its valued customers countrywide that there will be increased load curtailment from the 13th of July 2022.
This is due to depressed local power generation coupled by increased electricity demand in winter and power import constraints. Our Engineers are still working round the clock to ensure full restoration of service.
Customers are advised to use electricity sparingly and to always switch off electrical appliances when not in use.
The inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted. 
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, no load-shedding schedule has been issued to guide consumers. 
Zimbabwe has been having power cuts in the past two years amid reports that the country’s main power generators, Hwange Thermal and Kariba Hydro Power Stations have not been producing to their maximum capacity due to faults.
Power imports power from neighbouring Mozambique and South Africa have gone down due to debts and the incapacity of suppliers such as ESKOM to generate enough power for their own use. 
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ZESA Announces Increased Nationwide Load-Shedding

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has increased blackouts since Tuesday citing a technical fault at a thermal power station in Hwange.
The power utility’s subsidiary said power cuts will be increased until July 1.
The Hwange Thermal Power Station is the country’s biggest power plant with an installed capacity of 920 megawatts but suffers frequent breakdowns because of ageing equipment. It is undergoing an expansion to add 600 megawatts.
Though Zimbabwe has an installed capacity of 2 100 megawatts it generates an average of 1 200 megawatts and meets shortfalls through imports.
Currently, imports are limited due to the shortage of foreign currency, and debts to regional suppliers.
Power cuts have the effect of worsening the economic crisis as the country is already struggling to deal with other issues including inflation and fuel crisis.
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ZESA Increases Blackouts Citing Technical Fault At Hwange Thermal Power Station

Operation Dudula members are mourning the death of one of their members who was allegedly shot and killed in an alleged xenophobic attack in Soweto.
Police have confirmed that they are investigating a case of murder and five counts of attempted murder following an altercation between Operation Dudula members and residents of Chicken Farm in Soweto on Monday. SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Murudili said: 
<blockquote>
According to the police’s preliminary reports, it is alleged that on 18 April 2022 at about 16:30, a group of people allegedly residents of Pimville with Operation Dudula members marched to Chicken Farm informal settlement in Kliptown. Pimville residents are complaining about theft of electricity cables.
There was an altercation, shots were fired, one person was certified dead on the scene and five more people were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds for medical treatment. All of the victims are reported to be South Africans. A case of murder and five counts of attempted murder has been registered for investigation. No one has been arrested yet.
</blockquote>
Operation Dudula spokesperson Enock Nango said:
<blockquote>
a). there was an incident of a cable theft after it had been cut allegedly by some Sotho nationals.
b). Operation Dudula members went to find out about the cable theft and were confronted by some Sotho nationals who allegedly drew guns and shot them. 
c). Operation Dudula members ran for cover but Kgomotso Diale was killed and about five were injured including women.
</blockquote>
On Monday, Operation Dudula leader Nhlanhla “Lux” Dlamini took to social media and claimed that “Zimbabweans and Sotho nationals allegedly attacked his group”. He also claimed that Eskom workers were sometimes killed for the cables.
Neo Diale, the brother of Kgomotso Diale, from Zone 7, who was shot in the head said his brother was shot after he fell down during the panic that took place when the first shots were fired.
He said Operation Dudula members took his brother on Monday to accompany Eskom workers who were afraid to replace the cable alone.
Nozipho Diale, who is Kgomotso’s mother, said she was shocked that Eskom needed protection from community members to do their work.
She also said the whole story was confusing considering that her son was not carrying any weapon.
More: TheStar_News

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