volumes declined by 6.2% to 178 Terra Watthours. The committee also highlighted Eskom’s continuing irregular-expenditure challenge and called for comprehensive feedback and a clear strategy to address the backlog.
Ms Khanyase said: “The committee welcomes the progress at Eskom, but operational recovery cannot be viewed in isolation from the structural risks that remain. Municipal debt, declining sales, electricity theft and irregular expenditure continue to threaten long-term sustainability. The improvements achieved must now be consolidated through stronger governance, financial discipline and measurable delivery.”
The committee noted that municipal debt remains a significant concern. Members recommended the development, in conjunction with relevant stakeholders, of a municipal debt-reduction strategy combining measures to contain further debt growth, recover current debt, enforce debt-relief conditions, improve revenue management and support sustainable reform of municipal electricity distribution.
The committee further called for stronger action against electricity theft and vandalism. Eskom reported estimated non-technical losses of 13.1 TWh, with a potential revenue impact of approximately R29 billion. The committee called for increased forensic investigations, as well as detailed reporting on cases resulting in arrests and prosecutions.
Among its key recommendations, the committee called for:
- Finalisation of the Integrated Energy Plan and Gas Master Plan;
- A performance-improvement plan for the department;
- The filling of critical funded vacancies;
- Funded capacity plans for NERSA, SANEDI, NECSA and NRWDI;
- Finalisation of the institutionalisation of the Independent Power Producers Office;
- Completion of the INEP review by March 2027;
- Stronger action on irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure;
- A binding funding plan for the Centralised Interim Storage Facility;
- Prioritisation of the Electricity Pricing Policy; and
- Improved performance by both the department and Eskom towards the 80% benchmark cited in the BRRR.
The committee has requested progress reports on its recommendations by March 2027, unless otherwise agreed.
“The committee’s message is clear,” said Ms Khanyase. “Better governance must translate into better services and tangible improvements in the lives of South Africans. Our oversight will remain focused on implementation, accountability and ensuring that the resources allocated to the electricity and energy sector deliver value to the public.”
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON ELECTRICITY AND ENERGY, MS ZAMA KHANYASE
For media enquiries or to arrange interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Ms Yoliswa Landu
Cell: 081 497 4694
Email: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
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