Eskom pins possible stage 6 blackouts on striking workers
Eskom’s management has once again pointed the finger at striking workers for the continual load shedding.
The power utility’s CEO Andre de Ruyter and its COO Jan Oberholzer briefed the media on Tuesday morning on the state of the power grid amid the ongoing stage 4 power cuts.
The struggling power utility has warned South Africans to prepare for stage 6 load shedding on Tuesday evening, which would see South Africans go without power for some 10 hours a day.
De Ruyter said the strike intensified overnight, with the homes of four plant operators attacked with petrol bombs, a car torched, and one worker's farm set alight.
The utility lost ten units including at Medupi, Thuthuka, Duvha and Kendal due to a lack of maintenance staff.
Oberholzer pleaded with staff to return to work, warning that there is a risk of a higher load shedding stage if workers remain on strike.
“This is unprotected industrial action. It is unlawful, and workers are legally prohibited from prohibiting labour to achieve their needs.
“I would like to emphasise that we appeal with our labour partners and the striking employees, colleagues please, to embrace the high purpose of putting the people of South Africa first. To respect the law and desist from illegal and undemocratic conduct. Colleagues, we need to understand the negative impact that we have on the lives of our people and our country's economy.
“Should we not be able to convey the urgency and the importance of making sure that there is capacity available for the economy and the lives of six million people. If people are selfish, putting themselves first I believe the risk of load shedding will increase,” warned Oberholzer.
“We are not yet at stage 6, but the risk will remain should the strike continue
I believe we may be approaching a higher stage of load shedding should this unlawful action continue,”
Meanwhile, De Ruyter says Eskom management cannot be blamed for the illegal strike and continued load shedding.
“I must stress that we can’t prevent illegal action, the strike is unlawful, it is prohibited by law in terms of electricity supply being classified as an essential service.
It is furthermore prohibited by the interdict that Eskom obtained to prevent this illegal action from taking place.
It is unfair and inappropriate to lay this at the door of Eskom management,”
The management is expected to continue engagements with the labour unions on Tuesday.
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