Last week, energy minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa addressed our members on the progress of electricity systems reform. Later this month we will host the minister of trade, industry competition, Parks Tau, and his colleague Ronald Lamola, the minister of international relations cooperation. These ministries, among others, play an important role in affecting the business environment and the ability of businesses to invest and grow.
The legislative foundation for competitive electricity markets is now in place. The amended Electricity Regulation Act allows Eskom's restructuring into separate generation, transmission and distribution entities, breaking the monopoly that constrained our energy future. Most significantly, the Independent Transmission Project Office is established and will unlock billions in private transmission investment, starting with 1 164km of new lines that will release 3.2GW of stranded renewable capacity in the Northern Cape and Western Cape.
With Eskom's availability factor now stabilising around 65 and additional capacity from Medupi and Koeberg units coming online, we have breathing room to implement structural changes properly. But immediate wins are within reach if we can resolve current bottlenecks.
What gives me confidence is how this partnership has evolved. The minister explicitly credited business as "very central in the resolution of the energy question" and accepted our offer to provide embedded skills capacity - from modelling expertise to policy articulation support. This isnt just consultation its genuine co-creation of solutions where business expertise can help government navigate reform complexity.