South Africa takes on power firm's debt amid crisis
The government's most recent action comes as the departing Eskom CEO, who was scheduled to quit the organization next month, does so immediately.
Boakyewaa Lawrencia 
The struggling South African government has announced that it will assume nearly two-thirds of the $23 billion (£19 billion) total debt of the state power business.
This occurs at a time when malfunctions at Eskom's power facilities have caused unheard-of power outages that are harming the nation's economy.
The national treasury's choice should free up funds for distribution, transmission, and maintenance expenses.
This month, President Cyril Ramaphosa proclaimed a state of disaster due to the energy crisis, enabling the government to take immediate action.
Eskom has struggled with mismanagement and graft. Since 2008, it has gotten bailouts totaling more than $14 billion.
The government's most recent action comes as the departing Eskom CEO, who was scheduled to quit the organization next month, does so immediately.
Andre de Ruyter won't be required to fill out the remainder of his notice term, the company's board decided on Wednesday.
Mr. De Ruyter had questioned the government's capability to address the corruption at the utility company in an interview with a local TV station on Monday.
