Medupi’s unit 4 is back – here’s why that matters to you

Electricity and Energy Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has praised the “remarkable engineering achievement” behind the successful return of Unit 4 at Medupi Power Station in Limpopo, following a devastating explosion in 2021 that knocked the unit offline for four years.

Speaking during an oversight visit to Medupi, Ramokgopa confirmed that the unit is now contributing 800 megawatts to the national grid. Its return boosts Medupi’s overall performance to 83% capacity, significantly enhancing the country’s generation capabilities.

“This is more than just a technical fix—it’s a symbol of what South African engineers, especially our young professionals and women in energy, are capable of,” Ramokgopa said. “Zandi, one of the young engineers here, also helped restore multiple Kusile units. It’s people like her who are rewriting the future of this industry.”

Ramokgopa credited the Medupi team for exceeding expectations, calling their work a turning point in the country’s efforts to end load shedding. While South Africa has enjoyed over four consecutive months of uninterrupted electricity, the minister stressed the need to maintain “shock absorbers” in the system to withstand potential future outages.

“The challenge is not just about the lights being on today, but ensuring they stay on even when failures occur. We’re building that cushion now.”