HE'S GOT THE POWER!

YOU speaks to SA's first minister of electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, about the challenges that lie ahead and how he plans to tackle them

- KESHIA AFRICA

WE KNOW he has four degrees and is a former mayor of Tshwane. We know he's held other portfolios in government and has had success in business

And we know he's the country's first minister of electricity, tasked with banishing loadshedding and sorting out the mess that is Eskom.

But who is Kgosientsho Ramokgopa really? What makes him tick, what keeps him up at night and how ready is he for this job?

YOU sat down with the 48-year-old minister to get to know the man behind the title.

What was your reaction when you were offered this position?

There was some degree of apprehension at the enormity of the task ahead. People have tried to solve the crisis before and haven't succeeded. But I told the president I was ready as long as I got the necessary support. I understand the size of the responsibility ahead of me. I'll do everything in my power to help the country resolve loadshedding.

What does your family think of your role?

I've placed a lot of investment in having conversations with my wife, Georgia. People are justifiably angry and despondent and they're going to unleash that anger on someone. Now that target is me.

I know it's going to be an emotionally draining experience for my wife. My son, Matthew, is 10 years old so I don't think he fully comprehends what my new job entails yet. Conversations with my seven siblings have been very important. I told them I know I can resolve loadshedding. They have confidence in me.

There's a lot of goodwill from South Africans. So many people have told me good luck and that they're praying for me. I have been humbled by that.

Is the prospect that you might not fix this keeping you awake at night?