A statement by the Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer and Agri-Western Cape Vice President, Mr Heinie du Toit
During a meeting yesterday with farming and business associations in Ceres, Witzenberg, Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Maré, was informed that Eskom is making steady progress in repairing and restoring the electricity infrastructure that was damaged during the devastating storms in early May 2026.
While acknowledging the progress, the Deputy Minister expressed her concern that farmers have been without electricity for almost one month. Adding, “this is a serious issue, which requires all hands on deck. I am grateful to the different stakeholders, particularly the business and farming associations, who are not only actively involved in this matter but have also made their equipment and machinery available. It is further commendable that Eskom obtained additional teams from the Free State and Gauteng provinces to accelerate the work that is currently underway.”
The Deputy Minister was joined by the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, officials from the Witzenberg municipality and Eskom, and from various business and farming associations across the wider Witzenberg area.
Dr Ivan Meyer stated that “Ceres is a vital agricultural production and export region in the Western Cape. Recently, floods, heavy rains, and strong winds reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h have led to significant disruptions in energy security for farming communities in the Witzenberg area. After consulting with various stakeholders, including farmers, the business community, the Witzenberg Municipality, Eskom, Agri Western Cape, the Western Cape Government, and the Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Ms Samantha Graham-Maré, we have developed a plan to restore
electricity in the region.”
Agri-Western Cape’s Vice President, Mr Heinie du Toit, added that “this is the type of collaboration we want to see - Government, Eskom and the private sector working together to find fast and smart solutions so that we can build a better South Africa.”
“As the work continues in the area, it is important that regular and transparent communication is shared with all those affected by this devastation. While the immediate interventions occur, we are strategically working on finding medium- and long-term solutions. We will continue to engage the Western Cape Government,respective municipalities and stakeholders such as these who are committed to finding sustainable solutions for our country, concluded the Deputy Minister.
Enquiries:
Marcellino Martin
Cell: 082 721 3362
E-mail: Marcellino.martin@dee.gov.za
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