Powering the Future by Preserving the Past
As a State-Owned Entity (SOE), Eskom’s responsibility extends beyond generating and distributing electricity. We are custodians of a national legacy that has shaped South Africa’s industrial, social and economic development for more than a century. In fulfilling this role, Eskom is legally required to preserve and protect its heritage in accordance with the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 (Act No. 25 of 1999).

Our Legal Obligation
The Act requires organs of state to identify, conserve and manage heritage resources under their control. Section 9 specifically provides for the establishment and maintenance of heritage registers.

For Eskom, this means:

• Each Business Unit must identify heritage resources under its control.
• These resources must be recorded in a formal Heritage Asset Register.
• Registers must be maintained, updated and submitted, where required, to the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA
• This ensures that heritage is not lost during infrastructure upgrades, refurbishments, decommissioning, or operational changes. Heritage management is therefore not optional — it is a governance requirement and a statutory obligation.

Beyond Compliance:
While compliance with the Act is mandatory, Eskom’s commitment to heritage goes further. Preserving our heritage:

• Strengthens institutional memory
• Reinforces organisational identity and values
• Supports ESG and governance reporting
• Enhances stakeholder trust
• Contributes to nation-building

Heritage sites and registers are not merely collections of artefacts or records. They are living platforms of learning, reflection and inspiration — connecting current and future generations of employees to the legacy of innovation, resilience and service that defines Eskom.

By complying with Section 9 of the National Heritage Resources Act and maintaining Heritage Asset Registers across all Business Units, Eskom affirms its role as a responsible custodian of national assets — both tangible and intangible.

In preserving our past, we strengthen our identity.
In honouring our legacy, we inspire future generations.

A Milestone in the Cape Coastal Cluster
On 17 April 2025, Eskom’s Cape Coastal Cluster unveiled two heritage sites at its East London offices — a milestone reflecting both compliance with the National Heritage Resources Act, 1999 and a commitment to honouring Eskom’s 102-year legacy in powering South Africa.
The ceremony brought together employees and stakeholders in a moment of pride and reflection. General Manager Mbulelo Yedwa described the sites as symbols of resilience and cultural identity, emphasising that they will serve as spaces for learning, unity and community engagement.

A Living Archive of Innovation
The heritage displays showcase Eskom’s technological and organisational evolution, featuring historic engineering manuals, early electrical equipment, archived records, vintage communication tools, and early computing technology.
Visitors can follow Eskom’s journey from early infrastructure to a modern power utility — a powerful blend of history and innovation.

National Recognition
Nolitha Ngcai from the South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) hailed the initiative as a landmark achievement and a national treasure.
The recognition affirms that Eskom’s heritage is not only corporate history, but an integral part of South Africa’s broader industrial and socio-economic story.