Western Cape Legislature Threatens Summons to Negligent Electricity Minister, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa

The Electricity Minister of South Africa, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, promises to take responsibility in front of the Western Cape Legislature following allegations of avoiding the Energy Ad-hoc Committee formed to tackle the ongoing energy crisis earlier this week. This claim was made in response to queries during a media briefing regarding the realization of the potential Energy Action Plan, a strategic outline for the energy sector.

Acting on a national capacity, Ramokgopa reassures that he already accounts to the executive and to the Parliament. When invited to other legislative bodies, the minister affirms his willingness to report and brief, following his previous engagements with the Western Cape government.

However, the electricity minister failed to update the committee on the load shedding consequences faced by the province last Tuesday. This urgent briefing was canceled abruptly due to undisclosed personal issues, leading the committee to postpone the meeting while demanding an urgent session with the minister, under the possible threat of a formal summons.

Ramokgopa acknowledges the gravity of ministerial summons at a national level and guarantees that it is being given due consideration. He further adds that he wouldn't be the only minister subpoenaed by the Western Cape legislature. This matter alongside the legislature's authority to summon a minister will be addressed by the government and its departments.

The DA Western Cape energy spokesperson, MPL Christopher Fry condemned Minister Ramokgopa's attempts at declining accountability and urged transparency on the national government's measures to tackle the energy crisis. He insisted on necessary actions against the minister if his commitment falls short, in the form of summons compelling his attendance at the committee meeting to elaborate on the progress of resolving the load shedding crisis.