Mbalula’s load-shedding statements ‘distortion of reality’ - DA
The DA has accused ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula of distorting reality by blaming South Africa’s load-shedding crisis on the Just Energy Transition (JET) Investment Plan.
The DA's Shadow Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Kevin Mileham, says Mbalula’s statements are reckless and baseless.
"The attempt to scapegoat the JET agreement, an $8.8 billion investment aimed at facilitating South Africa's transition from coal to cleaner and sustainable energy sources, is not only misleading but a flagrant distortion of reality," says Mileham.
"The load-shedding crisis is the culmination of a 16-year debacle perpetuated by ANC corruption and mismanagement, hollowing out the vital infrastructure of entities like Eskom.
"Mbalula’s assertion that the closure of coal-fired plants, a step taken in line with the JET agreement, is solely responsible for the current blackouts conveniently ignores crucial facts.
"It fails to acknowledge that only one unit of the Komati power station, reaching the end of its life cycle, was taken offline, with the other eight units having shut down over several years previously.”
Mileham says the power utility’s coal fleet is largely dysfunctional, resulting in unplanned outages and ongoing maintenance issues.
"The ANC-led mismanagement, state capture, and a lack of investment in new energy generation have severely crippled Eskom, causing a substantial and consistent energy deficit leading to regular load shedding to sustain grid stability.
"Attempting to discredit renewable energy and lay blame at the door of international financial partners invested in our just energy transition is not just irresponsible but jeopardises crucial relationships vital for South Africa’s energy future."
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