{"id":36827,"date":"2026-03-13T20:10:46","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T18:10:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yfm.co.za\/devworld\/?p=36827"},"modified":"2026-03-13T20:10:46","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T18:10:46","slug":"unions-fear-tariff-hikes-job-cuts-amid-eskom-restructure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yfm.co.za\/devworld\/2026\/03\/13\/unions-fear-tariff-hikes-job-cuts-amid-eskom-restructure\/","title":{"rendered":"Unions fear tariff hikes, job cuts amid Eskom restructure"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Image credit: SACP\/Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

President Cyril Ramaphosa is facing mounting pressure from various labour organisations following his announcement of the establishment of an independent Transmission System Operator (TSO) as part of Eskom\u2019s restructuring.<\/p>\n

During the State of the Nation Address, Ramaphosa confirmed plans to create a fully independent state-owned transmission entity that will own and control the country\u2019s electricity grid and oversee the operation of the power market.<\/p>\n

The broader unbundling strategy will see Eskom divided into separate generation, transmission, distribution and renewable energy entities.<\/p>\n

However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from labour federations, which argue that the move could pave the way for the privatisation of key state assets.<\/p>\n

The Congress of the South African Trade Unions (COSATU) said it stands in solidarity with its affiliate, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), which has launched a mass mobilisation campaign against the restructuring.<\/p>\n

COSATU spokesperson, Zanele Sabela, warns that separating Eskom\u2019s assets could weaken the utility\u2019s financial sustainability and place thousands of jobs at risk.<\/p>\n

She says the creation of an independent transmission entity could strip Eskom of its most valuable assets while exposing the electricity sector to increased private control.<\/p>\n\t

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    \n\t\t\tUnions fear tariff hikes, job cuts amid Eskom restructure<\/span>\n\t\t\tNonhlanhla Harris<\/span>\n\t\t<\/p>\n\t<\/li>\n\t\t<\/ul>\n\t<\/div>\t\t\t\n\t\n

    NUM has echoed similar concerns, describing the restructuring plan as a policy that could accelerate Eskom\u2019s decline and open the door to large-scale privatisation.<\/p>\n

    “This policy of separating Eskom into multiple entities (Generation, Transmission, and Distribution) is a neo-liberal project designed to dismantle a vital state asset and facilitate the wholesale privatisation of South Africa\u2019s energy sector,” the union stressed.<\/p>\n

    Both organisations have begun a series of regional marches aimed at pressuring government to halt the process.<\/p>\n

    Demonstrations have already taken place in the Eastern Cape and are expected to continue in the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal.<\/p>\n