The logistics giant, state-owned Transnet, is a major debtor of Eskom. It owed the power utility R503 million as at end-March 2023, according to Eskom’s annual results presentation for the financial period ending 31 March 2023.
It is one of only two entities, besides municipalities, to owe Eskom more than R100 million. The other debtor in this category is Mozambique’s Elictricidade de Moçambique (EDM) with R574 million outstanding, according to its annual results.
Eskom is battling with the level of its outstanding debtors who owe it billions, which is placing strain on its operations. This is a particularly acute problem, given the added outstanding amounts owed by municipalities.
In March, Eskom reported a shortfall of R23.9 billion. At that point municipalities owed it R58.5 billion, which is a 31% rise from the previous year.
This year, the payment rate of municipalities has declined further.
Transnet is supplied directly by Eskom.
Last month, Transnet submitted a plan to the presidency to reverse the logistics crisis. The plan includes a request for National Treasury to take on R61 billion of its debt.
