By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, held a press briefing discussing the outcomes of the latest cabinet meeting which was held on Wednesday 15 October.
In the briefing Ntshavheni had announced the approval of Eskom’s new board members, as the appointments are currently undergoing verification and qualification checks as well as relevant security checks.
The appointments include Dr Busisiwe Vilakazi, Lwazi Goqwana, Clive Le Roux, Dr Andrew Barendse, Dr Dimakatso Matshoga, Dr Kgalalelo Chiloane, Shamila Govind, Dr Vuyo Peach, Dr Tsakani Mthombeni, Bajabulile Tshabalala, and Tshokolo Nchocho.
The board will continue to be Chaired by Mteto Nyati, as his term is yet to expire as it dates back to September 2022. These recent appointments follow the R16 billion turnover profit in the 2024/25 calendar year which comes on the back of taxpayer funded debt relief package as well tariff increases and a stable coal power station which has reduced load shedding.
The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for electricity which is also informally known as IRP 2025, outlines the mixing of generation technologies that is required to balance supply and demand, while keeping in mind the effects it will have on the environment as well as the cost of electricity.
“The final policy presented to cabinet represents a R2.23 trillion investment that will define South Africa’s energy mix” said Ntshavheni in the briefing.
Ntshavheni also explained that Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa will provide more information on IRP on Sunday 19 October. Ntshavheni also announced the welcoming of six months of HIV/AIDS funding through the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) Bridge Plan (PBP).
“The Trump administration has now listened and approved funding to the tune of $115 million between 1 October 2025- 31 March 2026” said Ntshavheni as she highlighted that this has boosted the confidence in South Africa’s HIV/AIDS relief programmes.
“The PBP is meant to ensure uninterrupted HIV service delivery in South Africa by supporting HIV/AIDS service continuity and prioritising country-specific needs and life-saving impact” Ntshavheni explained.
The bridge plan will serve as a transitional funding phase to keep HIV services fully operational until such time a more permanent plan can be established.
“Cabinet expressed its appreciation to the government of the United States of America on its commitment to supporting and sustaining progress fight against HIV/AIDS.” said Ntshavheni