Former Eskom CEO Says Three Men Saved South Africa From Disaster

Why It Matters

Ending load‑shedding improves energy security and restores confidence among investors and businesses, but the modest availability factor signals that sustained reforms are essential for long‑term stability in South Africa’s power sector.

Key Takeaways

• Generation Recovery Plan lifted Eskom’s availability factor by ~10 points since 2023
• Private renewable capacity grew >19,300 MW, outpacing Eskom’s coal additions
• Industrial shutdowns lowered demand, contributing to load‑shedding relief
• Energy availability remains at ~65%, still below pre‑crisis benchmarks

Pulse Analysis

South Africa’s power landscape has been dominated by Eskom’s chronic load‑shedding, which crippled manufacturing and deterred foreign investment for years. The recent declaration of a full year without load‑shedding marks a watershed moment, reflecting both internal reforms and external market shifts. Former CEO Jacob Maroga’s endorsement of the trio behind the Generation Recovery Plan highlights the strategic pivot toward disciplined maintenance, staff upskilling, and clearer leadership—a contrast to the earlier era of politicised decision‑making that left the grid operating on “popular myths.”

The Generation Recovery Plan, rolled out in 2022, targeted key bottlenecks: prioritising plant maintenance, deferring under‑performing units, and accelerating transmission upgrades. Its impact is evident in a roughly ten‑point rise in Eskom’s energy‑availability factor, though the metric still lags at about 65% of capacity. Simultaneously, South Africa’s private sector has injected over 19,300 MW of large‑scale renewable generation, primarily solar, dwarfing the modest additions from the controversial Medupi and Kusile coal projects. Coupled with a contraction in industrial load—driven by high tariffs and plant closures—these factors have collectively eased pressure on the grid.

While the immediate relief is welcome, the sector faces a delicate balancing act. Persistent low availability, aging infrastructure, and the need for further renewable integration mean that policy continuity and investment certainty remain critical. For investors, the reduced risk of load‑shedding improves the attractiveness of South African assets, yet they will watch closely for how the Ministry of Electricity and Energy sustains momentum. Continued focus on grid resilience, transparent procurement, and a clear roadmap for decarbonisation will determine whether the country can transform this short‑term win into lasting energy security.