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siyabonga@caxton.co.za
A statement was released by Eskom on Friday morning warning residents of the possibility of load shedding from yesterday Friday, March 1.
The threat of load shedding will remain in place throughout the weekend. The news has left residents and business owners concerned.
Thakani Malinyane, who works at a local fast food shop in Chiawelo, said she was worried because previous cuts have left her family business in limbo.
“This shop is how my family makes a living,” she said. “A few weeks ago there was load shedding and customers didn’t come because we could not prepare meals for them. As things stand, we may or may not have load shedding, so all we can do is wait.”
Salon owner, Felicia Makhado said the waiting game is even trickier considering the nature of her business.
Most of our equipment here requires electricity. It is difficult with a salon, this business is my livelihood and we are not going to turn away customers on just the possibility of load shedding. But there’s also the risk of being unable to finish their hair treatments. For now, we keep checking on social media for updates and hope we get through the weekend unaffected.”
According to the statement released by Eskom, while load shedding will only be implemented if necessary, residents have been urged to plan ahead on the assumption that it will take place.
Rotational load shedding schedules have been uploaded on the Eskom website for planning purposes. (https://loadshedding.eskom.co.za)
Few will be surprised if load shedding does occur. Eskom recently implemented Stage 4; the most severe form of load shedding, just weeks ago. Speaking at the Black Business Summit on Friday in Midrand. President Cyril Ramaphosa described the state owned utility’s current situation as a ‘crisis,’ and admitted that “a bold and decisive action is required to restore the performance of utility.” While that action remains to be seen, residents are urged to use electricity sparingly.
