SAFTU condemns Ekurhuleni’s independent power plan

The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has condemned the City of Ekurhuleni’s plan to procure 2 400 megawatts of generation capacity from independent power producers.

The new, diversified capacity would be a mix of solar photovoltaic, natural gas, waste-to-energy systems and new innovative energy technologies.

The union’s General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi is calling on the city to halt the plan and disclose the full cost implications for residents.

SAFTU CONDEMNS CITY OF EKURHULENI’S PLAN TO PROCURE 2400 MEGAWATTS FROM INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS. #CityofEkurhuleni #electricity #eskom #ekurhuleni https://t.co/ZySeSxpUJ0 — SAFTU (@SAFTU_media) October 20, 2026 SAFTU national spokesperson Newton Masuku says that the independent power producers have been in existence for quite some time now and they have not increased the energy security, therefore there’s no reason for them to believe that they will increase energy security under Ekurhuleni.

“Neither is there a reason for us to believe the claim that it will decrease the cost on the part of the public in Ekurhuleni.” “Thirdly, is that the power package agreements themselves and the circumstances under which the energy will be bought and the risk that will be incurred by the City of Ekurhuleni and by extension the public in Ekurhuleni has not been made public.” LISTEN: SAFTU condemns City of Ekurhuleni ‘s plan to procure 2 400 megawatts from independent power producers