EFF calls for alternative electricity supply measures in all courts for South Africa

13 September 2023

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) calls for an immediate action by the Department of Justice and Correctional Services to address the ongoing electricity crisis that is disrupting the functioning of our courts and by extension, denying our people their fundamental right to justice. The perennial and man-made crisis of load-shedding has led to dysfunctional courts that operate based on load-shedding schedules.

The case of the Commander in Chief and President of the EFF, Julius Malema, in East London Magistrates Court continues to be an instructive experience of what our people who are victims of crime go through on a daily basis, as a result of dysfunctional courts.

The East London Magistrates Court practically operates for two-hours a day, as a result of load-shedding, meaning victims of crime are discouraged on a daily basis to pursue justice.

The latest crime statistics quarterly report, which reveals high levels of violent crime, means that our courts become ever more important in ensuring perpetrators are apprehended and that crime is deterred in our society.

Between April and June 2023, there have been 6 228 murders in South Africa and I 1 616 cases of sexual assault, an alarming statistic that requires fully functional courts to ensure that these crimes do not go unpunished.

Given the rising tide of violence, it is utterly disgraceful that our courts, a pillar of justice, are hampered in their operations, opening late and closing early due to power outages. Load-shedding is therefore not just an inconvenience; it is a violation of our constitutional rights to safety, security and justice.

The EFF demands the prompt installation of alternative power sources in our courts which may include but not be limited to; inverters, generators and solar panels.

The energy crisis in South Africa is a catastrophe that has its roots in the ANC's mis-governance, and as a result all spheres of our society are in a state of collapse. The EFF urges all South Africans to exercise their democratic right to put an end to load-shedding and the first step to do this is to remove this government on the ballot, and this begins by Registering To Vote.

Issued by Sinawo Thambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 13 September 2023