Ramaphosa Defines Electricity Minister's Mandate, Powers Include Energy Procurement

President Cyril Ramaphosa has transferred the procurement of new electricity generation capacity from Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe to Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa as part of the process of defining formal powers of the new minister.

• Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan will remain the government's shareholder representative in Eskom, but Ramokgopa will work with the utility's board to ensure the implementation of the government's energy action plan.
• Earlier press reports pointed to a tug-of-war between Mantashe and Gordhan during the process of defining the responsibilities of the new minister, as both appeared reluctant to give up their powers.
• According to a statement from the Presidency, Ramokgopa will be able, among others, to "determine that new generation capacity is needed" and "determine the types of energy sources from which electricity must be generated."