One thing we do know is that no one will leave the negotiating table happy, and that's probably the best possible outcome.
When Minister of Power and Energy Kgosiensho Ramokgopa told SABC news anchor Oliver Dixon. When the government was asked on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, to step in to equalize the scope of Eskom's electricity tariff agreement with the ferrochrome industry, they probably did not expect it to be octagonal.
Talks between Glencore's ferroalloys unit and Eskom over the complex issue of electricity pricing have escalated beyond the bell in the next 24 hours, putting thousands of jobs at risk.
Read More Ferrochrome gets relief for Eskom while manganese and silicon producers left in the dark April 6, 2026 In an internal memo to workers seen by Daily Maverick, which was released Thursday night, April 9 — the latest deadline in the unfolding drama — Ferroalloys CEO Jappy Fullard told all workers to report for their shifts today as negotiations continued.
keep calm and carry on
“We would like to update you on the latest developments in relation to the proposed 62c/kWh electricity tariff for the South African ferrochrome industry and the associated Section 189 process,” Fullard said.
The memorandum made it clear that discussions were still ongoing as the talks had not yet concluded…