Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, Premier of Limpopo, announced that the Ministry of Electricity, in close collaboration with the Limpopo Provincial Government, will tackle the rising municipal debt and illegal electricity usage through an integrated strategy aimed at stabilising municipal electricity services.
Key to this effort is the Active Partnering initiative, which includes comprehensive meter auditing and upgrades, direct billing systems linked to Eskom, aggressive debt recovery measures, and robust infrastructure refurbishment.
Additionally, a targeted Programme to Eliminate Load Reduction will be piloted in Nkowankowa within the Greater Tzaneen Municipality.
Ramathuba made these remarks during her State of the Province Address (Sopa) at the Limpopo provincial legislature in Lebowakgomo on Thursday.
She became Limpopo’s first female Premier in May 2023, succeeding former Premier Stan Mathabatha, who was appointed Deputy Minister for Land Reform and Rural Development.
“This program will involve public awareness campaigns, expanded coverage of Free Basic Electricity, and increased support to reduce the burden on indigent households through smart meters and advanced metering infrastructure. These interventions aim to restore business confidence, improve revenue management, reduce illegal connections, and significantly enhance municipal service delivery, ultimately supporting the broader developmental mandate of local government.”
“In partnership with the Ministry of Electricity, I envision our province entering a new era of energy empowerment and economic revitalisation,” said Ramathuba.
“Limpopo is set to become the first province in our nation to achieve universal access to energy. This ambitious goal will be realised through a strategic combination of grid-connected and innovative microgrid solutions, ensuring reliable and sustainable power reaches every household, from bustling towns to the remotest villages.”
Ramathuba highlighted a groundbreaking initiative where three municipalities—Maruleng, Elias Motsoaledi, and Thabazimbi—will lead in municipal energy security, developing their own generation schemes with advanced renewable energy technologies.
“This initiative aims to reduce reliance on bulk service providers, lowering electricity costs and stimulating local economies while improving supply quality and affordability,” she added.
“We’re not only addressing immediate energy needs but also laying the foundation for sustainable development and economic growth. Together, we’re lighting Limpopo’s path to a brighter, more prosperous future for all citizens.”
Ramathuba noted the legislature’s commitment to Eskom building new transmission lines to accommodate renewable energy across the province.
She also announced Polokwane’s recent upgrade to level six, bringing the city closer to metropolitan status. “Our growing city requires infrastructure support like electricity,” she said.
“In this context, we welcome progress on the construction of a 400-kilovolt line connecting Medupi Power Station to Polokwane. To date, 150 kilometers of the total 220 km line has been completed. Additional 400 kV lines in Nzhelele, Borutho-Silimela, Foskor-Spencer, Foskor-Merensky, and Leseding are expected to be finished by 2029.”
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