Pretoria - The Presidency has dismissed media reports stating that President Jacob Zuma has tasked two Ministers to convince Eskom Chief Executive Brian Molefe to sign off on the power purchase agreements (PPAs) with independent power producers.
The Presidency on Monday said the reports are incorrect.
The reports quoted special advisor on energy to President Jacob Zuma, Silas Zimu, as having told the WINDABA renewable energy conference that took place in Cape Town last week that “President Zuma has appointed the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa and Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Naledi Pandor to persuade Eskom to sign off on the agreements.”
Following this report, the Presidency has stated that no such decision has been taken by either the President or Cabinet, and that Zimu spoke in his personal capacity.
“His remarks at the conference were not mandated by the Presidency or government. The Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Jeff Radebe, speaks on behalf of Cabinet,” the Presidency said.
Minister Radebe publicly expressed the support of Cabinet and government for the implementation of the Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme.
“All concerns that have been raised with regards to the IPP programme are currently being attended to,” said the Presidency. - SAnews.gov.za
