Zuma: 'Top priority' Eskom to get R23bn

Cape Town - Overcoming the energy challenge faced by the state-owned power monopoly Eskom was "uppermost in our programme", President Jacob Zuma said on Thursday.

Addressing the opening of parliament State of the Nation speech - which was an hour late after EFF MPs were removed and DA MPs walked out - he said R23bn would be directed at Eskom to solve its financial problems in the next fiscal year.

"The country is experiencing serious energy constraints.... (it is an impediment to economic growth. It is a major inconvenience to everyone in the country."