By: Natasha Archary
President Cyril Ramaphosa who was supposed to address the alarming power crisis upon his return to the country, is instead silent on the matter, as the economy buckles.
Three days since returning from the UK after attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, Rampahosa has left South Africans in the dark with no answers as to what his plans are to deal with the power crisis.
With Eskom pushing the country into Stage 6 last week, downgrading to Stage 5 on Wednesday, patience is running low but Ramaphosa’s silence on the issue isn’t positive.
Ramaphosa reportedly held a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, 21 September but has not shared the outcome of the discussion.
According to reports, cabinet ministers are “still deliberating” on the way forward and will release an outline on interventions thereafter.
However, Ramaphosa’s silence is being interpreted as a lack of urgency as the economy buckles as loadshedding takes a toll on businesses.
Not only is loadshedding affecting food security, with many households reporting prolonged power outages is causing food to spoil, but several small to medium businesses are struggling.
The rolling blackouts is costing the country approximately R500 million per hour, at Stage 6 according to economists.
What’s more is that Eskom CEO, Andre de Ruyter says higher stages of loadshedding is possible.
Pressure is mounting to have de Ruyter step down, with the EFF calling for an end to the incompetence by the state-owned entity.
Also read: Mmusi for President! Maimane to run for Presidency in 2024



