Nersa, govt have 21 days to respond to energy demands - NIMNI
Civic organisations Not in My Name International (NIMNI) and the Mamelodi, Nelmapius Eesterust (NME) Stakeholders Forum marched on National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) offices and the seat of government over the ongoing power cuts and the recently approved 18.65% tariff hike on Friday.
“Not In My Name and NME have only two demands for Nersa; end or retract the Eskom tariff hike until such a time that an equilibrium has been established and there are reasonable grounds to authorise the increase in the cost of electricity…the second demand is for an official apology to the citizens of South Africa for considering the tariff hike as a viable options,” said NME’s Khutso Semetjana.
The memorandum was received by Nersa CEO, Nomalanga Sithole, who committed to delivering the document to the board of directors.
Protesters made their way to the Union Buildings, where there was a heated verbal exchange between marchers and officials tasked with receiving the memorandum for the President.
Insults were hurled at the two Presidency officials who asked marchers to leave the makeshift stage on the Union Building lawns and meet them at the fences.
Protesters have now dispersed from the Union Buildings in Pretoria but not without disappointment after a verbal exchange with officials from the presidency tasked with receiving heir memorandum of demands #Eskom #Loadshedding pic.twitter.com/gIdQvILXX2
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) January 20, 2023
Semetjane says they’re not surprised: “It was expected. Our president is arrogant, and he is leading an arrogant African National Congress.”
Logistical issues, including load shedding, are among the hiccups that saw a slow trickling in of demonstrators earlier. NIMNI Secretary General, Themba Masango says the less-than-expected turnout does not take away from the importance of their message to government.
“Conviction outweighs numbers in any case. Because I think it’s the conviction of the message, it’s the conviction of the people that are here to say that we are affected and we are tired,” he says.
Both the regulator and the Presidency have 21 days to respond to the demands or face more protest action.
