Eskom Recovery Plan: How South Africa Aims to End Load Shedding

Johannesburg, South Africa – Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has announced a major turnaround plan for Eskom, revealing that the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) is projected to reach 70% by the end of 2025, up from just 49% in 2023. The improvement is attributed to strategic leadership, targeted maintenance, and anti-corruption initiatives.

Technocratic Leadership Drives Change

Minister Ramokgopa highlighted the importance of experienced leadership in addressing Eskom’s long-standing challenges:

• CEO Dan Marokane and the appointed board bring deep technical expertise in the energy sector
• Focused maintenance programs at power stations follow a “short-term pain, long-term gain” strategy
• Anti-corruption measures ensure consequence management for maladministration and mismanagement

READ: NERSA Error Forces Steeper Electricity Price Hikes for South Africans in 2026 and 2027

Learning from Past Mistakes

“The wrong skills in leadership can cost a nation,” Ramokgopa remarked, referencing former CEO André de Ruyter. He criticized the lack of technical expertise under previous management, which he said prolonged the energy crisis.

Key Numbers Showing Eskom’s Turnaround

• EAF increased from 49% in 2023 to 63% by July 2025
• Eskom is on track for its first mid-year profit in over a decade
• R100 billion in unpaid municipal debt remains a structural challenge

READ: Municipalities in Crisis: The R126 Fixed Charge Debate and South Africa's Electricity Dilemma

Challenges Ahead: Load Reduction Remains Critical

While load shedding has eased, Minister Ramokgopa emphasized that load reduction is still the primary frontline in addressing energy poverty. Informal settlements are disproportionately affected due to aging municipal infrastructure, highlighting the ongoing need for targeted upgrades and service delivery reforms.