Kusile Unit 6 reaches commercial operation

Posted on September 29, 2025September 29, 2025 by

Eskom’s Kusile Power Station Unit 6 has entered commercial operation – officially adding some 800MW to the national grid and strengthening South Africa’s energy security.

The power utility announced the milestone on Monday and it marks the completion of the Eskom Build Programme.

Eskom Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane said the milestone was a testament to the power utility’s commitment to its turnaround plan.

“Achieving commercial operation of Unit 6 within the planned timeframe is a testament to Eskom’s disciplined execution of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan. This milestone not only completes the Kusile build programme but also reinforces Eskom’s commitment to restoring energy security, enhancing grid stability, and investing in infrastructure that supports South Africa’s long-term economic growth.

“Since its synchronisation in March, Unit 6 has consistently met performance benchmarks, contributed to grid reliability, and helped meet electricity demand 97% of the time,” Marokane said.

At the Medupi Power Station, which was also part of Eskom’s Build Programme, Unit 4 of the station was returned to service in July this year.

“Medupi and Kusile will remain central to South Africa’s electricity supply for many years to come. Both stations are designed for an operational lifespan of approximately 50 years.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we are also accelerating efforts to expand our renewable energy portfolio to complement our baseload infrastructure. This is part of our broader strategy to repower the grid and reduce overall emissions,” Marokane added.

Eskom explained that commercial operation indicates that Unit 6 has “passed all required testing and optimisation phases” and is now fully integrated into the power utility’s operational fleet.

“Although the unit has been supplying electricity to the grid since its synchronisation on 23 March 2025, its contribution had not been reflected in official reporting until now. From this point onward, Unit 6’s output will be included in the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) calculations, contributing to Eskom’s overall performance metrics.

“This achievement also marks a key milestone in Eskom’s strategic goal to add 2500MW of new capacity to the grid by March 2025 and represents a major step in completing one of the largest infrastructure projects in South Africa’s history,” Eskom said.

Business ties with the United States strong and expanding – Ramaphosa

Posted on September 29, 2025September 29, 2025 by

President Cyril Ramaphosa says engagements in the United States show that South African and US businesses remain deeply connected and committed to mutually beneficial partnerships well into the future.

In his weekly newsletter to the nation, the President said the country will continue to advocate for the principle of reciprocity in investment and trade relations with the US.

As the presence of US companies on South African soil continues to grow, President Ramaphosa said the country wants to expand the number of its companies operating in the US market, thereby creating more jobs for Americans.

“As the official talks around trade tariffs continue, we take to heart the words of the US Chamber of Commerce representative at the recent dialogue, that expanding commercial partnerships happens one deal, one investment at time,” he said.

Last week, the President addressed a Trade and Investment Dialogue between South African and US businesses on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The event, convened by the US Chamber of Commerce - the world’s largest business advocacy organisation with representation in more than 120 countries, including South Africa - drew senior government officials, business leaders and industry representatives from both countries.

President Ramaphosa said the discussions underscored optimism about South Africa’s economic reforms and growth prospects, with several US companies expressing interest in expanding their operations or investing in the country.

As part of strengthening ties with the United States, the President and his delegation also used the opportunity to meet with members of the US Congress and Senate. Some ministers and officials also held meetings with representatives of the US administration.

“The optimistic, future-focused tone of this important engagement underscored how, beyond the headlines and debates around trade policy and political frictions, US and South African businesses are forging ahead,” the President said.

Addressing the dialogue, the President of the US-Africa Business Center of the US Chamber of Commerce, Kendra Gaither, said that there was “no economic relationship more foundational than the ties that the US and South Africa have”. She said it was a vital relationship that merits dedicated attention.

Later this year, the US Chamber of Commerce is expected to send a high-powered delegation, led by its CEO, to the B20 Summit, the official dialogue forum of the G20 for the global business community.

Commercial ties between the two countries remain strong, with more than 600 US companies already operating in South Africa. The country is the second-largest African destination for US exports.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa is positioning itself as an investment destination for critical minerals, with the digital transition and the global move towards net zero driving global demand.

The country also had the opportunity to engage with US industry around investment opportunities in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, technology and other key sectors.

He further announced the establishment of a South Africa-United States Trade and Investment Forum, to be inaugurated at next year’s South Africa Investment Conference. The forum will serve as a bridge for deepening trade and investment between the two nations.

“These engagements with business take place alongside discussions with the US administration around a reciprocal trade agreement. Our Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has been meeting with the US Trade Representative to finalise an agreement that benefits both our countries,” the President said.

The President also welcomed the US Chamber of Commerce’s support for the reauthorisation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), describing it as “the cornerstone of US-Africa commerce”.

“Predictable, preferential access to the US market isn’t just vital to South Africa’s own exports, but also to US companies that depend on reliable imports. We are also prioritising the African Continental Free Trade Area as a vital tool for strengthening US-South Africa trade and investment,” the President said.

Eskom generating fleet shows ‘stability and improved reliability’

Posted on September 29, 2025September 29, 2025 by

Eskom says the current improvement in unplanned outages at generating units is a sign of the generation fleet’s increasing reliability.

The power utility has registered an Energy Availability Factor (EAF) month-to-date average hitting above 70% for the first time since 2021.

Unplanned outages are also on the wane.

“Between 19 and 25 September 2025, Eskom recorded an average of 9 514MW in unplanned outages, a significant improvement compared to 12 660MW during the same period last year. This represents a year-on-year reduction of 3 146MW in breakdowns – nearly equivalent to the entire output capacity of Duvha Power Station.

“This upward trend demonstrates increasing stability and improved reliability across Eskom’s generation fleet. These figures do not include Kusile Unit 6, which has been contributing to the national grid since 23 March 2025. While the unit is not yet in commercial operation, it is expected to reach this milestone by 30 September 2025,” Eskom said.

The power utility’s improvements have resulted in electricity demand being met for at 97% of the time during the current financial year with only 26 hours of load shedding recorded since April 1.

Other key performance areas at Eskom include:

*Between 1 April and 25 September 2025, the Unplanned Capability Loss Factor (UCLF), which reflects the percentage of generation capacity lost due to unplanned outages, further decreased to 25.84%.

This represents a week-on-week improvement of approximately 0.2%, although it remains about 0.3% higher than the 25.52% recorded during the same period last year.

*Year-to-date, planned maintenance has averaged 5 233MW, accounting for 11.16% of total generation capacity. This reflects a slight decrease from the previous week and a 0.4% rise compared to the same period last year.

*The year-to-date EAF further increased to 62.50%, excluding the contribution from Kusile Unit 6. This figure is below the 63.25% recorded during the same period last year.

*From 1 April to 25 September 2025, Eskom generated 1 004.68GWh from OCGT plants while spending R5.953 billion on diesel – above last year’s 850.52GWh. Last week, diesel spending was just R15.03 million at a load factor of 0.41%, highlighting the impact of improvements in efficiency and reduced reliance on diesel.

*The year-to-date load factor for OCGTs has decreased to 6.89%, reflecting a 0.27% decrease compared to the previous week. This figure remains higher than the 5.83% recorded during the same period last year.

“To further strengthen grid stability, Eskom is planning to return a total of 2 500MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak [today] and throughout the coming week,” Eskom said.
The electricity supplier acknowledged that although the grid is now more stable, load reduction remains “necessary in certain high-risk areas”.

Average reductions have ranged between 529MW and 5 44MW from April and June this year.

“The primary causes are illegal connections and meter tampering – forms of electricity theft that compromise the integrity of the network and can lead to equipment damage, transformer overloads, and, in severe cases, explosions and prolonged outages. To safeguard the network and protect public safety, Eskom may implement load reduction by switching off power in these areas during peak periods.

“Eskom, however, is committed to eliminating load reduction within the next 12 to 18 months. This goal will be achieved by addressing 640 000 illegal connections, upgrading infrastructure – including the installation of smart meters – curbing illegal electricity vending, and expanding access to free basic electricity in priority areas.

“Customers are urged to avoid illegal connections, purchase electricity only from Eskom-accredited vendors, and regularise their accounts. These measures are essential to preventing load reduction and ensuring safe, reliable, and equitable electricity access for all,” Eskom explained.

To report any illegal activity, contact Eskom’s Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp on 081 333 3323.

Severe storm warnings issued across South Africa

Posted on September 29, 2025September 29, 2025 by

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued severe storm warnings for various provinces, urging residents and motorists to exercise caution as unpredictable weather conditions unfold.

The eastern parts of the country, particularly Gauteng, are currently experiencing intermittent rain that significantly reduces visibility.

According to the agency, this warning encompasses several provinces, including Gauteng, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal.

Residents in these areas are advised to stay alert to changing weather conditions and prepare for potential disruptions.

A yellow Level 4 warning indicates the potential for severe thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours, primarily impacting central and northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Those living in these regions are urged to be prepared for flash flooding in low-lying areas and on vulnerable roadways.

In addition, dangerous lightning and damaging winds may lead to localised damage to infrastructure, homes – especially informal settlements – vehicles, and agricultural livelihoods.

Another warning highlights disruptive rainfall anticipated in the southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal, which could create hazardous driving conditions due to slippery roads and reduced visibility, increasing the likelihood of minor motor vehicle accidents.

Meanwhile, two separate yellow Level 2 warnings have been issued in Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
The SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms expected to bring heavy rain and localised flooding in the extreme eastern regions, which could result in potential damage to infrastructure and property.

Today, the SAWS forecasts a significant drop in temperatures across the interior of the eastern half of the Eastern Cape, bringing very cold conditions that residents should prepare for, especially during morning and evening hours.

In Limpopo, the agency reported partly cloudy conditions in the southwestern Bushveld, and otherwise cloudy and cool weather with scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers.

In the Free State, it will be clear in the extreme west, but otherwise, it will be partly cloudy and cool to cold with isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms, which will be widespread in the extreme east.
“Motorists are urged to drive with increased caution, maintaining a safe following distance and adhering to local traffic advisories,” SAWS said.

Those living in flood-prone areas should take proactive measures to secure their property and be ready for potential evacuations if necessary.

Residents are encouraged to stay updated with local news for real-time weather information and advisories.