Parliament, Tuesday, 24 March 2026 – The Standing Committee on Appropriations has warned that it is difficult to fully celebrate the end of load shedding while some communities and businesses continue to experience electricity outages due to ongoing load reduction.
The committee met with Eskom executives today to receive an update on the 2027 financial plan and progress on the Eskom Debt Relief Programme.
The committee commended Eskom for stabilising electricity supply, noting that the utility has achieved three hundred consecutive days without load shedding as of 11 March 2026, with projections to maintain this performance until the end of the financial year.
However, the committee stressed that load reduction continues to negatively affect businesses and communities. Committee members said rural areas remain subject to load reduction, often without clear or predictable schedules, which leaves residents vulnerable to criminal activity.
“Load reduction is a serious and ongoing concern that must be urgently addressed for all South Africans. While Eskom’s progress is commendable, the benefits of a stable power system must be felt equally across all communities,” said the Standing Committee’s Chairperson, Dr Mmusi Maimane.
The Eskom Debt Relief Act of 2023 aims to support Eskom’s financial sustainability amid rising debts. Dr Maimane said: “It would be unfair not to recognise the progress made in ending load shedding. From an investor confidence perspective, a stable and reliable electricity supply is critical for economic growth and investment.”
The committee also expressed concern over the slow rollout of smart meters. Eskom reported that it has completed 241 718 installations against a target of 400 000 in the third quarter.
The committee also noted with concern that 71 municipalities are part of the National Treasury debt relief programme, yet only 10 are compliant with payments on their current accounts. Dr Maimane said: “Municipal debt remains an existential threat to Eskom’s sustainability. While there is progress to acknowledge, the reality is that municipalities and consumers are under severe financial strain.”
The committee further noted that improvements at Eskom are beginning to be recognised by credit rating agencies, reflecting efforts to strengthen its financial position. Dr Maimane concluded by saying there is an urgent need to grow the economy in order to ensure that excess energy can be deployed meaningfully to create jobs.
Lastly, the committee requested that Eskom provide a detailed update on the process of unbundling its entities.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, DR MMUSI MAIMANE.
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