‘Job well done’ – Minister Ramokgopa is SA Person of the Year

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The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is 2024’s SA Person of the Year for especially keeping the country load shedding-free this year.

The Daily Maverick reported on 22 December 2024 that the Minister was given this title by its readers. They voted for him for emphasising on accountability, transparency and keeping load shedding at bay for most of the year. Thuli Madonsela congratulated Ramokgopa on his achievement.

MINISTER RAMOKGOPA SA PERSON OF THE YEAR

Daily Maverick defines a Person of the Year winner as “an individual or group that has made the most significant and widespread positive contributions to the nation or the world as a whole.” According to the publication, Ramokgopa’s level of transparency and accountability made him stand out from the rest. He made South Africans part of the journey by holding regular media briefings and public forums.

One of the main factors that contributed to Ramokgopa winning the title is being able to keep the country’s lights on for the longest time. This was after SA was hit hard by rolling blackouts that had a ripple effect on many sectors.

Since his appointment in June 2024, Ramokgopa has worked hard to fix the numerous issues that were plaguing Eskom. He has been lauded for hugely contributing to giving SA some form of stability and change.

SA HAS GONE MORE THAN 268 DAYS WITHOUT LOAD SHEDDING

Eskom announced this week that load shedding has been suspended for a total of 268 days. That means South Africa has gone more than half a year without rolling blackouts. The power utility said this has resulted in “R16.06 billion year-on-year diesel savings.”

THULI MADONSELA REACTS TO MINISTER RAMOKGOPA’S POST

Minister Ramokgopa shared his good news on social media and Thuli Madonsela was one of the first people to congratulate him. Madonsela commented: “Congratulations Minister @Kgosientsho_R and ESKOM team. Well done.”

Most people who saw the post on X shared the same sentiment. One commented: “Job well done minister,” and another wrote: “The President made a smart move by creating the portfolio & bringing on board a professional who understands the sector to accelerate the recovery of this important state asset…Eskom. They doubted the President.”