SA Blasts Kgosientsho Ramokgopa for Saying African Countries Must Collaborate To Solve Energy Crisis

• The Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, called on African countries to join forces to tackle the continent's energy issues
• Ramokgopa was the keynote speaker at the opening of the Africa Energy forum in Cape Town on 17 June 2025
• Ramokgopa said the continent needs to develop a program to transition into green energy, and South Africans criticised him

With 10 years of experience, Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist, has provided insights into infrastructure challenges and state-owned enterprises in South Africa, having worked at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE — The Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, was criticized after he called on African countries to work together for a just transition into greener energy.

Ramokgopa calls for partnership with African countries

According to SABC News, Ramokgopa spoke during his keynote delivery at the opening of the Africa Energy Forum, which is held at the Cape Town International Convention Center. Ramokgopa addressed attendees and said that the South African government will continue to work with the African Union and AU member countries to address the energy challenges on the continent.

Ramokgopa said that Africa must create its energy solutions and not rely on developed countries. He remarked that the transition to green energy must reflect African priorities of development. Ramokgopa said the transition must support the creation of employment opportunities, industrialization, and food security.

Electricity in Africa

Ramokgopa remarked that over 600 million Africans do not have access to electricity, which he described as an oxygen economic activity. He said that it is a fundamental human right. The Africa Energy Forum began on 17 June and will continue until 20 June, and member states of the African Union are in attendance.

Recent news about Kgosientsho Ramokgopa

Ramokgopa recently paid tribute to the late actor, Presley Cheweneyagae. He died at the age of 40 on 27 May 2025. Ramokgopa described the late Tsotsi star as an exceptional South African talent who left an indelible mark on South Africans' hearts.

Ramokgopa also said in May that Eskom was fighting to keep the lights on during winter. He spoke a day after Eskom announced Stage 3 loadshedding on 14 May and said that the power system is significantly stronger than it was in the previous year.

Netizens call Ramokgopa out

South Africans commenting on SABC News' Facebook post were not pleased with him.

Tony Davis said:

"What this means is we'll continue supplying electricity across the border even though we don't reliably generate enough to meet home demand."

Lloyd Vutete said:

"No energy transition is needed because a lot of Africans are still in the dark."

Emmie Maritz said:

"Oh, the irony. We live a few kilometres away from the only nuclear power station in Africa, but they can't manage the local transformers.

Just Vaughn said:

"Fix the coal issue and remedy the neglected power stations."

Ngcebo Shobede said:

"Having so much coal and not using it to create energy, but talking about it."

Ramokgopa forecasts winter-free loadshedding

In a related article, Briefly News reported that Ramokgopa predicted a winter without loadshedding in May. He said that the power plants are expected to perform at full capacity.

Ramokgopa spoke during the G20 Energy Transitions Working Group meeting on 30 April and said that there was no reason for the performance decrease. He said that Kusile Unit 6 and Medupi will provide additional capacity.

Source: Briefly News