ActionSA will fight any Eskom litigation that overturns landmark loadshedding judgement

21 October

ActionSA welcomes the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling that denies the government's efforts to secure leave for appeal in the historic loadshedding judgement that protects key public institutions. However, we are disappointed that Eskom was granted leave to appeal by the SCA and believe the court may have erred. ActionSA will, nevertheless, continue its pursuit to secure humanitarian relief for the most vulnerable, should rolling blackouts return.

On December 1st, 2023, the North Gauteng High Court ruled in favour of ActionSA's petition to exempt critical institutions such as hospitals, police stations, and schools from the effects of loadshedding. In May 2024, the Pretoria High Court dismissed the government's appeal against this ruling, affirming the protection of these essential services.

This latest decision by the SCA to allow Eskom to appeal undermines the well-being of the many individuals adversely affected by loadshedding, including frail patients in hospitals, students in schools, and helpless victims of crime.

This "Instagram government" should acknowledge the reality that loadshedding is far from a matter of the past. According to Minister Ramokgopa's comments to the media in August, the possibility of rolling blackouts returning is still a matter of concern.

If Eskom succeeds at overturning this critical judgement, the progress made to shield vulnerable citizens from loadshedding will be undone, effectively nullifying the court's original ruling.

ActionSA remains committed to holding the national government accountable and advocating for the welfare of our citizens, ensuring they are protected from the far-reaching impacts of loadshedding.

Issued by Michael Beaumont, National Chairperson, ActionSA, 22 October 2024