JOHANNESBURG – Eskom has implemented Stage 1 load shedding because “acts of intimidation and sabotage have resulted in [it] being unable to ensure uninterrupted power supply”.
Members from labour unions the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) had gone on strike on Thursday over the parastatal’s decision to cut salary increases for this year, citing financial difficulties, restructure and as they offered a 0% increase.
Workers have demanded a 15% wage increase, with negotiatios unsuccessful, the matter has now been referred to the CCMA.
Eskom says it’s necessary to cut costs, however workers have argued that they’re being punished for years of mismanagement and corruption at the utility that has cost the parastatal billions.
This whole the power utility said those who want to work can’t, as striking workers are intimidating them.
Eskom’s Khulu Phasiwe said, “The thing that we’re trying to avoid is what we call a blackout. A blackout is when a system itself just automatically collapses. So, if anything, what we’ll do is to implement some form of load shedding, which is a controlled measure of rotating electricity so that you don’t collapse the power system.”
#PowerUpdate: Due to severe power constraints, Eskom will implement stage 1 of loadshedding from now (17:50) until 20:00. Acts of intimidation and sabotage have resulted in Eskom being unable to ensure uninterrupted power supply. @SABCNewsOnline @afroworldview @JacaNews @IOL
— Khulu Phasiwe (@KhuluPhasiwe) June 14, 2018
City of Tshwane implemented Stage 1 load shedding for group eight areas between 6.00pm and 8.00pm after receiving a request from Eskom on Thursday night.
The City of Tshwane apologized for the inconvenience.
City Power has warned it may need to ramp up load shedding in Johannesburg to Stage 2.
Eskom says it’s taken the decision because of the ongoing industrial action, saying some workers who are on strike cut power at some substations intentionally.
City Power and Eskom has urged residents to go on to their website to find out if their area will be affected by load shedding.
Photo Credit- Reuters
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