SA marks 98 days of uninterrupted power supply

South Africa's state-owned power utility Eskom has been making headlines recently for all the right reasons. CNBC Africa's Godfrey Mutizwa sat down with Eskom Chairman, Mteto Nyati, to discuss the impressive 98 days of uninterrupted power supply and the future plans for the company. The success of Eskom's power supply in recent months has defied the skeptics and critics who accused the company of playing politics by suspending load shedding ahead of the elections. Nyati attributes this success to the strategic changes implemented by the new board, which he emphasizes has a diverse set of skills crucial for tackling the challenges faced by Eskom. This includes engineers, finance experts, human capital specialists, and labor relations professionals. The board took a hands-on approach by engaging with power station managers to gain insights and formulate a comprehensive two-year generation recovery plan. Key to the execution of this plan was the appointment of the right leaders, with Nyati highlighting the pivotal role of the generation group executive, Beg Ngomal, in driving the turnaround plan. Nyati also underscored the importance of involving external experts like WSP to monitor and ensure the implementation of the recovery plan. The focus now is on addressing the reliability of Eskom's aging fleet while also embracing renewables as part of the future energy mix. Nyati expressed optimism that the end of load shedding could be achieved by April 2025, with a target of 70% EAF (Energy Availability Factor) and a significant reduction in unplanned outages. Another primary objective for Eskom is the unbundling process to facilitate market competition and position the company for the future, particularly in the renewable energy sector. Nyati addressed concerns about the decision to delay the shutdown of some coal stations, explaining that it was necessary to mitigate the risks posed by delays in the deployment of new renewables. The approval to run these stations until 2030, subject to conditions addressing pollution and environmental impact, aims to safeguard energy security and support the transition to greener energy sources. Nyati dismissed claims of potential funding loss, emphasizing that stakeholders, including funders and international partners, are supportive of Eskom's strategic direction and improving financial position. While addressing the challenges ahead, Nyati remains confident in Eskom's ability to navigate the energy transition successfully and meet the country's power demands effectively.