S.Africa: Energy Minister welcomes High Court Ruling
In March, Transform RSA NPC and the National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa (NUMSA) lodged an urgent application for an order interdicting Eskom from concluding the twenty-seven (27) renewable energy Independent Power Producer Projects (IPP) including the PPAs with Eskom, pending finalisation of the main application instituted under case no. 42887/2017, the Coal Transporter’s Forum matter.
On Thursday, Pretoria High Court Judge Dawie Fourie ruled that the application launched by NUMSA and Transform RSA, was not urgent. The judge accordingly struck the case out of the roll with costs, the Department of Energy (DoE) said in a statement.
"The Department of Energy will continue to vigorously champion the right of consumers in our country to have access to cost efficient and clean energy.
"The Department will also continue to champion the NDP objectives of reducing unemployment, poverty and inequality through programmes that bring much needed investment in South Africa to create jobs (especially for women and the youth) as well as small business entrepreneurial opportunities in our rural communities. This will also ensure opportunities for the economic transformation and access to mainstream economy," the DoE said.
The Government of South Africa re-confirms its commitment to a solid public-private partnership as we pursue our energy transition objectives for the future, as well as a better life for all.According to the DoE, Minister Radebe will make an announcement on the way forward in due course.
