ATM calls on government to stop the mismanagement of Eskom and end loadshedding

12 January 2023

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) is appalled by the mismanagement of Eskom and the subsequent subjecting of the South African population to massive and unending power outages.

This current program of fixing the power generation deficiency is clearly not working, as instead of it yielding more power in response to the needs of the citizens, generation units break down leaving the country in darkness for recurring and extended periods of time.

ATM is also appalled by the fact there is nothing tangible that has been done by the National Energy Crises Committee that was established by the President in August 2022. This is clear indication that the Government does not have a solution when it comes to this current crises. This fumbling with the solution for energy generation for this country has gone on for far too long. Our people and the economy deserve a better leadership committed to cause.

With the current unstable state of the economy that retracts and expands at will with no meaningful growth, businesses are sure to suffer and so are the livelihoods of South Africans.

The 3% economic growth experienced over the past 12 months is going to be negatively affected by both the implementation of the extended stage 6 program, that is in response to the 11 generators that have broken down and the 18,65% electricity tariff hike.

The ripple effect on the economy and employment in this country could surely take us to the days of negative growth and cause much suffering for the people of this country.

ATM calls on all citizens not normalise this gross incompetence of the ruling party as lives and livelihoods are negatively affected by the never ending load-shedding. As the citizens of this country we must not be at peace with the exporting of tons of our coal to Europe at our expense. we deserve good governance and a stable and reliable energy supply.

ATM calls for government's swift and holistic response to the challenges faced by Eskom and the Country.

ATM advises the Government & Eskom to -

1. To put to an end the hijacking of coal plants that disturbs the supply of coal.

2. Prioritise the fixing of plants to provide consistent base load.

3. Abandon the fast tracked mothballing of otherwise functioning plants.

4. Invest in clean burn technology.

5. Leverage the cost plus model and claim its rightful equity stake from the private sector companies;

6. Buy coal at recommended NERSA prices, not at current exorbitant rates that it is currently paying;

7. Intensity the negotiations tor the IPP's to supply electricity at cheaper rates;

8. Diesel is too expensive and should be used very minirnally for electricity generation;

9. Penalise all the contractors that are adding undue delays in the completion of the plants and those who add rocks to the coal they suppty.

10. Convert all residential areas into prepaid and simultaneously introduce the indigent policy t) protect the poor.

ATM is opposed to the sale of Eskom to the private sector. Ownership by private sector is not a panacea for efficient operations.

Issued by Zama Ntshona, Media and Communications Office, The African Transformation Movement, 12 January 2023