SAFTU blames return of load shedding on mismanagement, neoliberal policies

JOHANNESBURG – The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has blamed the return of stage 6 load shedding on the mismanagement of Eskom and the disastrous neoliberal policies adopted by the government.

In a statement, following a media briefing by Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and the power producer, the federation condemned the country once again being plunged into rolling blackouts.

Ramokgopa explained that the load shedding, which was initially at stage 3, had been ramped up to stage 6 due to the loss of multiple generation units at the Majuba and Camden power stations.

On Monday morning, Eskom announced that load shedding had been reduced to stage 4, with Ramokgopa promising that the power cuts would have eased by the end of the week.

The union federation said the power outages disrupt lives, cripple businesses, and worsen an already dire socio-economic crisis.

SAFTU acting spokesperson Newton Masuku:

“It’s not just a technical failure, it's a direct consequence of the government's mismanagement of Eskom and its continued adherence to the neoliberal policies that have undermined our energy security. Eskom's deterioration reflects years of underfunding, corruption and privatisation efforts that have prioritised profits over people.”

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