The Remarks about the Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme made in personal capacity
Media reports stating that President Jacob Zuma has tasked two Ministers to convince Eskom CEO Mr Brian Molefe to sign off on the power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Independent Power Producers are incorrect.
The reports quoted Mr Silas Zimu, special advisor on energy to President Zuma as having told the WINDABA renewable energy conference that took place in Cape Town last week that “President Zuma has appointed the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa and Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Naledi Pandor to persuade Eskom to sign off on the agreements”.
The Presidency wishes to state that no such decision has been taken by either the President or Cabinet, and wishes to indicate as well that Mr Zimu spoke in his personal capacity. His remarks at the conference were not mandated by the Presidency or government.
The Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr Jeff Radebe speaks on behalf of Cabinet. The Minister publicly expressed the support of Cabinet and government to the implementation of the Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme. All concerns that have been raised with regards to the IPP programme are currently being attended to.
Source: South African Government