Mbabane – His Royal Highness Prince Lonkhokhela, the Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, received South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, in Mbabane yesterday during a high level bilateral visit aimed at strengthening cooperation in the regional power sector.
The meeting brought together senior officials from both governments as the two neighbours explored ongoing energy projects and future partnerships. Prince Lonkhokhela told the visiting delegation that Eswatini and South Africa share deep historical ties that continue to shape their political and economic relations. He also congratulated South Africa on recently hosting the G20 Summit, the first to be held on the continent, and acknowledged Dr Ramokgopa’s stewardship in stabilising South Africa’s power system, where load shedding has reportedly eased and Eskom is recording improved financial performance.
During the engagement, Prince Lonkhokhela outlined Eswatini’s current energy developments, including a new ten year Power Purchase Agreement between the Eswatini Electricity Company and the National Transmission Company of South Africa which is approaching completion. He further reported that Eswatini plans to add one thousand five hundred megawatts of new generation capacity over the next few years, supported by eighteen prospective power producers. Three new generation plants are set to begin operating in December.
Local private companies are also exploring opportunities to export power to South Africa. Discussions between the two countries include capacity development for engineers and project managers, drawing on lessons from major South African projects such as Medupi and Kusile.
On regional transmission infrastructure, Eswatini expressed interest in renewing anchor agreements under the MOTRACO partnership, which supports the four hundred kilovolt line linking the Republic of South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique. The agreements are due to expire in 2026 and both parties signalled interest in improving efficiency within the system.
Dr Ramokgopa arrived with a delegation comprising his advisor Mr Jacobus de la Rouviere, Chief Director for Energy Ms Elizabeth Marabwa, Communications representative Mr Makhosonke Buthelezi, spokesperson Ms Tsakane Khambane, protocol officer Princess Nxumalo and Eskom NTCSA representative Mr Monde Bala.
The South African minister and his delegation are scheduled to pay a courtesy call on the Right Honourable Prime Minister today as part of continued discussions on regional energy priorities.
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