What is happening at Eskom?
With
a recent spate of loadshedding escalating to Stage 6 this past weekend, many
people have been left wondering what is happening with the electricity
producer. Christelle du Toit takes a deep dive into the latest Eskom news.
South Africans had a brief spell of peace when loadshedding was suspended earlier this year, but recent developments have seen the measures come back with a vengeance.
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Last week, Eskom announced that they would be implementing Stage 4 loadshedding after units tripped at the Kendal Power Station.
The trip at Kendal was the latest in a line of failures that totaled 42 generating units, according to Jacaranda FM.
Loadshedding was then pushed to Stage 6 when units tripped at the Kusile and Kriel power stations.
The frequent breakdowns had some South Africans wondering if the infrastructure was deliberately being sabotaged, to which Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter said that was not the case.
Recently, social media users shared a video of a fire near Kriel power station, which has caused a furore online.
Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha commented on the situation: “Colleagues; this is a conveyor belt at Kriel Mine -not at the power station. This will have no impact on the power station as it is receiving coal from an open pit and by road. Thank you”.
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The continued loadshedding has led to disastrous effects on South Africa’s already struggling economy post-pandemic.
People are frustrated, and some took to social media to voice their irritation:
Eskom's demise is no different to the demise of our railway and transport infrastructure, our healthcare, education, policing and law enforcement systems..yet so many still come out to defend CR Road show. That's frightening
— Brett Ben Raphael (@Brettbenraphael) September 19, 2022
@giftbozekana1 ♬ original sound - Gift Kelton Bozekana
Preparing for #loadshedding:
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) September 18, 2022
👉Check your schedule regularly so you have enough time to prepare.
👉Avoid power surges. Switch off electrical equipment to reduce risk of damage caused when the power returns
👉 Keep emergency lights, cellphones and laptops charged pic.twitter.com/UPipaFXzXk
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