Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa discusses energy plans. Image: Twitter/Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
Two for one: Electricity Minister stands in as acting Finance Minister
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Electricity Minister Ramokgopa as acting Finance Minister, while Godongwana takes leave.
Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa discusses energy plans. Image: Twitter/Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa
Kgosientsho Ramokgopa was appointed back in March 2023 as South Africa’s Electricity Minister. Now, he’s got two-for-one duties as he stands in as acting Finance Minister while Enoch Godongwana takes leave, reports Bloomberg.
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The Electricity Minister took over his interim finance role earlier this week on Monday. Spokesperson for the Presidency, Vincent Magwenya, said via text this week, “It is normal for ministers to act on behalf of their counterparts.”
ELECTRICITY MINISTER STANDS IN
The reason for Enoch Godongwana absence is understood to be leave. He was integral in the creation and presentation of the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) that was delivered earlier this month on 1 November.
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At the MTBPS, Godongwana extended SASSA SRD grants for another year and explained how the National Treasury would attempt to clear South Africa’s budget deficit. Since his address the markets and exchange rate have responded favourably thanks to his candor and pragmatic approach.
IN BERLIN NEXT WEEK
Understandably, Godongwana should enjoy some much-needed leave as sources say he will be back at work next 22 November, by way of a trip to Berlin to attend the Group of 20 Africa Compact meeting. Electricity Minister Ramokgopa will therefore only serve as a stand in for little over one week.
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