By: Natasha Archary

The suspension of loadshedding on Sunday evening, 07 January has been heavily scrutinized by South Africans who believe the ANC’s 112th birthday on Monday, 08 January influenced Eskom’s power move.
On Sunday, Eskom announced that a sustained improvement in generating capacity and sufficient emergency reserves has resulted in loadshedding being suspended until further notice.
With loadshedding returning immediately after the festive season ended, a number of South Africans called the power utility out on social media for manipulating when it’s convenient and inconvenient to implement the rolling blackouts that are crippling the economy.
Last year loadshedding was conveniently downgraded during the Rugby World Cup 2023 to allow the country to follow the Springboks’ advancement in the tournament.
During the week of Christmas and New Years, loadshedding was once again suspended but returned on 02 January and had been in effect until Eskom pulled the plug on loadshedding on Sunday ahead of the ANC’s 112th birthday celebrations.
On X, social media users who have also noted this trend by the power utility, shared their sentiments about loadshedding being suspended.
“Suspended due to the ANC 08 January celebrations in Mbombela. Well scripted.”
“Until further notice? You mean until after the ANC party this week?”
“The funders have already decided on stage 6, it may happen tomorrow or after the ANC manifesto in Mpumalanga.”
“I hope the diesel is enough until the 08 January celebrations and beyond.”
X users have heavily scrutinized Eskom’s suspension of loadshedding as a power move because it’s the ANC’s 112th birthday
#LoadsheddingUpdate
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) January 7, 2024
Sunday, 07 January 2024: As a result of the sustained improved generating capacity and sufficient emergency reserves, loadshedding will remain suspended until further notice. Eskom will communicate should any significant changes occur.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is accompanied by ANC NEC and Mpumalanga PEC members attending a wreath-laying pilgrimage at the grave sites of struggle stalwarts in Louwville, Mpumalanga.
Thereafter the President will make his way to the Mbombela Stadium for a ceremonial cake cutting in celebration of the ANC’s birthday, followed by a luncheon with the families of stalwarts and veterans.
Also read: WATCH LIVE: The memorial service of anti-apartheid activist and photographer Dr. Peter Magubane



