THE SA Department of Communications has called a message doing the rounds on social media platforms about an indefinite nationwide black-out a hoax.
The message states “Eskom has notified the government in a special meeting that the main grid can crash at any time soon leaving the entire country in darkness for over two weeks” and that people should prepare for this inevitable crisis.
Acting director-general of the Department of Communication, Donald Liphoko said the government has dismissed the hoax statement. “South Africans are assured that the country’s energy challenges are receiving priority at the highest level to resolve the situation. The message regarding Eskom is not true and is meant to create unnecessary panic. Load shedding is a controlled and planned method to ensure that the power system is protected from a total blackout. Government is confident that the measures it is introducing will ensure that the country does not reach a point of a complete blackout.
All South Africans are part of the country’s energy solution by adhering to the power alerts during critical periods which help protect the national grid. While it is important to consider all scenarios as part of planning, the national power grid is stringently managed so that we prevent any worst-case scenarios from taking place. Eskom and government will continue communicating with the public on any issues relating to power supply,” he said.
Many people on Facebook and other social media sites have said they are preparing themselves should there be a prolonged blackout.
Have you taken any precautions?
