South Africa\u2019s government intends to shut down the Department of Public Enterprises, which oversees seven of the biggest state companies when a new administration takes office after elections in about a year\u2019s time. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the closure of the department in his state-of-the-nation address in February, in accordance with a resolution taken by the ruling African National Congress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Power utility Eskom, port and freight-rail operator Transnet, and the other companies will then fall under the direct control of their line ministries.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This would mean that Eskom would fall under the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, while Transnet would fall under the Department of Transport etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis department is coming to an end,\u201d Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises Obed Bapela told lawmakers on Wednesday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen the president announces the cabinet after the elections, this department will cease to exist, and so will its ministry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nadia Valley, the department\u2019s acting director-general, said preparatory work to close the department is underway, pending the issuing of a presidential directive. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n