The Ministry of Electricity and Energy has announced plans to expropriate privately-owned land, with compensation, as part of a major initiative to expand and upgrade Eskom’s infrastructure in the coming years.
Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa outlined a comprehensive 10-year plan to enhance South Africa’s energy network during a media briefing on Tuesday. The ambitious project requires an investment of approximately R440 billion, a sum the National Treasury has indicated it cannot provide.
Despite the Treasury’s rejection of funding, Minister Ramokgopa expressed confidence in attracting investment from the private sector to support the project.
The initial phase aims to construct over 1,600 kilometres of electricity lines and install numerous transformers, setting the stage for an expansive 14,000-kilometre power grid development over the next decade.
Addressing potential challenges, such as privately-held land and difficult terrain, Ramokgopa emphasized the government’s readiness to proceed with land expropriation where necessary, highlighting that compensation will be offered at determined market values.
“We will follow all available legal processes. However, if no agreement can be reached, expropriation with fair compensation will be pursued. This approach is established practice,” Ramokgopa explained, adding that landowner resistance would not delay progress on the vital infrastructure improvements.
