Failing Eskom’s reminder to South Africans on eve of critical election

27 October 2021

Eskom’s increasingly feeble performance over the past three years, culminating in a week of frequent blackouts in the run-up to critical local government elections on Monday, is a bugle call to voters to get out and vote.

Since the introduction of so-called “loadshedding” 13 years ago, South Africans have endured a seemingly endless soap opera of plans, promises, villains, saviours – and blame. First it was arson, followed in close order by poor maintenance, then state capture, then back to maintenance…

In the hands of the ANC-led government and its cadres, Eskom’s dysfunctionality has been politicised, factionalised and weaponised.

The only constant has been the reintroduction of crippling blackouts at regular intervals. Crippling to productivity, crippling to the economy, and crippling to the nation’s sense of wellbeing and sustainability.

South Africans have a good idea of what needs to be done to fix the electricity crisis.

Although thin on detail, we know that we must transition from dirty coal-fired generation to cleaner energy sources and thereby contribute to global climate justice.

We also know that it’s now permissible for cities to break the Eskom monopoly and procure energy from independent producers, thanks to the litigation launched by former Mayor of Cape Town Patricia de Lille.

We know the general direction, but we’re moving hopelessly too slowly. The dire state of South Africa’s mismanaged and Covid-ravaged economy cannot afford Eskom’s continuing drift to the bottom.

Decision-making in the country’s energy sector must involve more appropriately qualified experts. People with qualifications beyond party political loyalty. People who care about climate and social justice.

It is said of functional democracies, that citizens get the government they deserve. When voters feel that the leaders of government have performed adequately, they re-affirm them at the next election – otherwise, they shift their vote to a viable alternative.

By implementing stage four loadshedding today, Eskom is sending an important reminder to voters on the eve of local government elections to think very carefully before making their mark.

Issued by Fiona Furey, Communications Director: City of Cape Town Mayoral Candidate, GOOD, 27 October 2021