MATSAPHA – South Africa’s Minister for Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho David Ramokgopa, has assured Eswatini that the region’s power future is secure.
This is as South Africa increases generation capacity and consolidates a historic turnaround in its electricity sector.
Speaking during a high-level bilateral visit to Eswatini on Friday evening, the minister said South Africa is now producing enough power to meet its domestic needs while also supplying regional partners, including Eswatini, through existing and future power-trading arrangements.
The minister was welcomed by Eswatini’s Minister of Natural Resources and Energy Prince Lonkhokhela, at a joint press briefing held at Summerfield Botanical Garden & Exclusive Resort. The engagement forms part of a broader strengthening of cooperation in the energy sector between the neighbouring states.
In his remarks, Dr Ramokgopa said South Africa’s neighbours should be confident that “the era of load-shedding is now a thing of the past”, thanks to a combination of internal reforms, leadership changes, infrastructure stabilisation and extensive private-sector involvement that has revived South Africa’s power sector after years of instability.
“We are confident that the supply is now enough for our domestic requirements and for exports to our partners, including Eswatini,” he said. “We do not wish to ever see load-shedding again – not for South Africa, and certainly not for our neighbours who rely on us.”
The minister highlighted that the transition to stable supply has been supported by Eskom’s return to profitability in 2025 – its first profit in many years – following decisive restructuring and significant operational improvements. The turnaround, he said, was the combined effect of staff commitment, strong government support, improved procurement systems and contributions from private producers.
Dr Ramokgopa added that South Africa was not resting on its gains. The minister said he recently unveiled an ambitious national plan to build 105 000MW of new generation capacity between now and 2039, representing an investment valued at R2.23 trillion.
This planned addition is more than double South Africa’s current installed generation capacity of 50 230MW.
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Eswatini to develop 1 500MW
MATSAPHA – Prince Lonkhokhela announced that Eswatini is embarking on an aggressive generation expansion programme.
He said such is inspired by the need to secure long-term energy independence, support industrialisation and ensure affordable electricity for households and businesses.
Under the direction of His Majesty King Mswati III, the kingdom is preparing to roll out a 1 500MW generation expansion plan over the next few years.
The minister revealed that 18 prospective independent power producers (IPPs) have already expressed interest in developing generation capacity within the kingdom.
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Capacity building and skills transfer to be strengthened
MATSAPHA – Eswatini also appealed for deeper cooperation in skills development, particularly in engineering, project management and operational excellence – skills demonstrated in large South African power projects such as Medupi and Kusile.
“Our engineers, project managers and business analysts have much to learn from your teams,” the Minister, Prince Lonkhokhela said. “As we embark on the 1 500 MW expansion, capacity building will be crucial.”
Prince Lonkhokhela used the occasion to applaud South Africa once again for successfully hosting the G20 Summit, the first ever held on African soil.
He also extended an invitation to Dr Ramokgopa and the South African delegation to experience Eswatini’s rich cultural calendar, including the upcoming Incwala Ceremony, Marula festivities and next year’s Umhlanga (Reed )Dance.
“You might have missed the Reed Dance in August, honourable minister, but Eswatini is a cradle of culture,” he said. “We invite you to return and experience our festivals – and perhaps learn some new dance skills.”
The bilateral visit marks a significant step forward for both Eswatini and South Africa as they navigate a future defined by energy diversification, infrastructure investment and regional power integration.
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10-year PPA with South Africa nearing final stages
MATSAPHA – A key aspect of the ongoing cooperation between the two nations is the finalisation of a new 10-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
This is an agreement between the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) and South Africa’s National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA).
Prince Lonkhokhela said the new PPA, which will anchor Eswatini’s supply security for the next decade, is being finalised under Dr Ramokgopa’s ‘wise guidance’.
He also noted that Cabinet has tasked the EEC Board and Management with ensuring that the agreement includes additional efficiencies that will help cushion consumers.
“Affordability, affordability, affordability is what we must strive for,” the minister said. “Our people must breathe. Electricity is like the air we breathe – without it, life, jobs, schools, industries and homes are rendered ineffective.”
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