A wave of darkness to hit SA… Again!
JOBURG - Load shedding has returned and will be felt harder this time.
Eskom has confirmed that the emergency load shedding schedule will commence from 1 April to 30 May.
Speaking at a media conference Eskom spokesperson Andrew Etzinger said the country’s power grid could not withstand the enormous pressure.
“Our grid is extremely vulnerable at the moment and after intense communication, we reluctantly reached a consensus to declare this a state of emergency and to continue with load shedding,” Etzinger announced.
He added that the revised schedule will be available to view and download online from 5pm on 1 April.
Minister of Education Ben Martins said there is no need for panic.
“We have everything under control and advise that people refrain from pressing the panic button because we can overcome this as a nation. Contrary to popular belief, we are more than capable of sustaining the nation. This is just another pothole in the road,” Martins said.
The proposed schedule from 1 April to 30 May is as follows:
- Westdene, Auckland Park, Brixton, Rossmore and Richmond – Everyday from 4am to 11pm
- Albertville, Greymont, Sophiatown, Newlands – Monday to Thursday from 2am to 10pm
- Melville – Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 11pm
- Emmarentia, Roosevelt Park, Montgomery Park and East Town – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8am to 10pm
- Northcliff, Fairland, Cresta – Wednesday to Sunday from 3am to 11pm
- Linden, Blairgowrie and Victory Park – Monday to Friday from 5am to 9pm
Martins suggested that businesses owners who could not afford generators and other alternative energy sources should consider renting office space at available government buildings.
“Many of our department buildings have plenty of unused office space and government facilities are fortunate enough to have generators on standby. They will rent out space at R950 per day, per office. Further information can be found on the City of Johannesburg website,” explained Martins, who seemed oblivious to the fact that not all businesses can afford such arrangements.
Ward 86 councillor Steve Kotze expressed his dissatisfaction over the current government administration.
“There are only a few days left before the national elections. With such poor government, South Africans need to think long and hard before ticking on that ballot paper. We cannot afford such mismanagement going forward.”
President Jacob Zuma is set to address the nation at 1am on 2 April, when load shedding won’t be in effect countrywide. The address will be aired on SABC 1.
Details: Happy April Fools Day
