Johannesburg – Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) and Eskom have announced that they recently held a “direct and constructive engagement”, and pledged support for the electricity reform programme.
In a joint statement on Monday 31 August 2026, BLSA and Eskom stated that: “Both organisations fully support the electricity reform programme under the government’s leadership, including the work of the Eskom Restructuring Task Team and the Phase 2 process now underway”.
The statement added: “We support the outcome endorsed by the President following the Task Team’s first-phase report – the establishment of an independent Transmission System Operator with the transmission assets – implemented through a carefully sequenced process that safeguards Eskom’s financial sustainability, respects the rights of lenders, and protects the country’s energy security”.
The statement added: “We regard successful reform and a financially sustainable Eskom as complementary objectives, not competing ones.
“We will not always agree on every aspect of implementation.“
BLSA has previously warned that Eskom’s restructuring risks being undermined if transmission grid assets are not transferred to a fully independent operator.
BLSA concerns include effects on investor confidence, financing for grid expansion, and Eskom adherence to policy commitments.
However, the statement said: “Where differences arise, we are committed to engaging directly and on the substance.
“Accelerating South Africa’s economic growth rate and the jobs that depend on it require these reforms to succeed, and both organisations are committed to playing their part in making that happen.”
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s energy reform path as imperative to achieve an affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity supply for all South Africans.
The President reiterated government’s commitment to establish a fully independent Transmission System Operator (TSO) with ownership and control of transmission assets, to create a level playing field for competition and unlock investment in the electricity sector.
He made his remarks in a meeting with the Chairperson of the Eskom Board on Thursday 27 August 2026,
The implementation of the reforms are being developed by the Eskom Restructuring Task Team (ERTT), which will oversee the process, and includes representatives of The Presidency, National Treasury, the Department of Electricity and Energy, Eskom, and the National Transmission Company South Africa.
President Ramaphosa further emphasised that the TSO will remain state-owned, as a strategic national asset serving the public interest.
In response to matters of concern raised by the Eskom Board Chairperson, Mteto Nyati, President Ramaphosa reiterated government’s commitment to continue working closely with Eskom, the NTCSA, and other stakeholders to ensure that the reform is implemented in a manner that preserves Eskom’s financial position; ensures that the TSO is able to invest in expanding and strengthening the transmission network, and engages lenders and funders in a transparent and responsible manner.
The Chairperson confirmed the Board’s strong support for the policy direction determined by government and committed to ensuring continued alignment between the Board and shareholder in this regard going forward.
The meeting followed a recent engagement between President Ramaphosa and the leadership of the National Union of Mineworkers.
The post Meeting Sees BLSA And Eskom Declare Support For Electricity Reform Programme appeared first on The Bulrushes.