‘Eskom power-cuts having devastating effect on households and livelihoods’ – Gordhan

Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan has called on the Eskom board to work hard to get the country out of higher stages of load shedding and reduce the deliberate power cuts with immediate effect.

Eskom thrust the country into stage 6 load shedding on Wednesday with the possibility of higher stages, citing a high number of breakdowns including the requirement to strictly preserve the remaining emergency generation reserves.

The deliberate power cuts have had a detrimental effect on South Africa’s economy with businesses losing productivity.

End stage 6 load shedding

Gordhan appealed to the board to end stage 6 load shedding

“I met the board of Eskom yesterday. I have directed them to meet and act with a great sense of urgency in order to ensure that the management of Eskom gets the country out of level six load shedding with immediate effect.”

“Power cuts are having a devastating effect on households and livelihoods, investment and economic climate. This is totally unacceptable. The frequency of breakdowns is certainly attributable to some element of malfunctioning within the Eskom systems and possibly sabotage as well”.

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Law enforcement at Eskom

Gordhan said law-enforcement agencies were roped in to show a stronger presence at all Eskom power stations.

“Those who are involved in nefarious activities, beware. We will not tolerate any activities whose purpose is not in the national interest.”

“We apologise to the country for the impact and disruptions caused by load shedding and will keep the nation informed about the status of electricity.” said Gordhan.

ANC frustrated by load shedding

Gordhan’s frustration was echoed by the African National Congress (ANC) on Wednesday saying its deployees in government must act to end the deliberate power cuts.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, ANC national spokesperson Pule Mabe said there must be “decisive action” on load shedding.

“I was not aware that we ar hitting stage 6 load shedding. This is quite concerning. I don’t think it is enough for us to keep on calling on Eskom, I think South Africans expect action from the ANC. Our deployees in government must act,” Mabe said.

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