Energy Min Reiterates Shutting Down Coal Plants Would Have Dire Economic Consequences

LOCAL NEWS

• Energy Min Mantashe reiterates that shutting down coal power plants is not the solution and will lead to costlier electricity, fewer jobs and damage to the economy – despite extensive research in favour of the just transition away from coal.
  • On the COP26 funding Mantashe said “they will not give us that money. They will give it to us if we take it as a loan,” adding that the R131bn was roughly R50bn short of financing the upgrade for the national grid infrastructure
• Mantashe also said that the recent Zondo report on state capture may launch heavy attacks on deployment and by extension transformation and democracy in SA.
  • Mantashe has stood against prosecution of implicated members and somewhat at offs with Ramaphosa on the issue – saying it would sow more divisions in the ANC
• Political analysts say Tourism Min Sisulu’s attack on the Judiciary and constitution was more about a presidency bid than anything ahead of the December elective conference.
  • Local professor says she cannot be ruled out of the race, despite her problematic and potentially premature approach as she is well-experienced and highly educated - EWN