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South Africans have mixed feelings about Kgosientso Ramokgopa, first electricity minister

By Ray Mwareya

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Posted on March 29, 2023 14:09

© Newly appointed Electricity Minister Kgosientso Ramokgopa addresses Eskom workers during a visit to the Lethabo Power Station near Sasolburg, South Africa, on March 23, 2023. (Photo by Ihsaan HAFFEJEE / AFP) — Newly appointed Electricity Minister Kgosientso Ramokgopa addresses Eskom workers during a visit to the Lethabo Power Station near Sasolburg, South Africa, on March 23, 2023. (Photo by Ihsaan HAFFEJEE / AFP)

Observers have mixed feelings about Kgosientho Ramogkopa, South Africa’s first-ever electricity minister. While he’s highly praised as progressive technocrat, the 48-year-old is also deemed a tainted figure.

Ramokgopa, nicknamed ‘Sputla’ reportedly for his prolific football skills in his youthful days, appears to be one of Cyril Ramaphosa’s favourites. He’s the type of minister the president would pick first if factional ANC party quotas didn’t limit him.

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