African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula noted on Wednesday that the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) must help the nation accelerate the resolution of the energy crisis to end loadshedding.

Mbalula was addressing the media ahead of the MTBPS, where he said the party wanted the ANC-run government to continue to improve Eskom's performance, reduce loadshedding and enhance energy security.

He highlighted that this could be achieved by investing in renewable energy and promoting energy efficiency.

“Boldly mobilise social partners around economic reconstruction and recovery to increase job creation, investment and empowerment,” he added.

He noted that government must accelerate plans to restructure Eskom and roll out new electricity generation capacity as quickly as possible.

“It is necessary to mobilise finance for expanded investment in the national electricity grid and support local government in developing new funding models for electricity,” he said.

Mbalula explained that government must work with businesses, labour and civil society to promote inclusive growth and development and added that it must also improve the delivery of essential services and maintain infrastructure.

He also noted that it was critical to support Transnet as it maintained its network, prioritised rolling stock repairs, and improved operational efficiencies in ports, pipelines and freight rail.

The ANC called for continued reforms to improve the performance of the country's rail, port, and logistics sectors.

“These sectors are currently holding back economic growth and threatening employment,” Mbalula highlighted.

He said government must support Transnet to promote international trade, exports, economic growth and job creation.

“The government must prioritise the maintenance and expansion of critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, ports and airports, to support economic growth and development,” he said.

The ANC wanted government to take immediate action and prioritise the needs of the people to ensure that the country consolidated the gains of democracy and created a better life for all.

PUBLIC PROTECTOR APPOINTMENT

Meanwhile, the ANC welcomed the appointment of a new Public Protector for the stability and the strengthening of Chapter 9 Institutions.

The Presidency announced on Wednesday that President Cyril Ramaphosa had appointed Kholeka Gcaleka, the former Deputy Public Protector who took on the role of acting Public Protector since June last year. 

“We wish advocate Kholeka Gcaleka well and to really bring back the status of that office and do what is necessary without fear of favour, hold public representatives and everyone else accountable and take her decisions in relation to what is expected from her and her office in protecting the interest of the public,” said Mbalula.