LOAD-SHEDDING
How Eskom power cuts can become election battleground
The utility and government have apologised for severe load-shedding, but cannot say when it will stop
Eskom and the government have pleaded for patience as they struggle to deal with severe power cuts that have crippled parts of the economy and threaten to become a key battleground in elections due in less than two months. At a media briefing that was short of answers on when load-shedding might end, public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan apologised to the nation on Tuesday. "We understand the frustration," Gordhan said. "We don’t have a magic formula. There is a huge struggle ahead of us to overcome this crisis." PODCAST: Listen to expert commentary on the issue. Subscribe: iono.fm | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | Player.fm The operational crisis at the utility is at its worst yet as stage four load-shedding was implemented for the fourth day in a row on Tuesday, infuriating the electorate. Indications are that previous commitments to end load-shedding by April may not be met, meaning power cuts could run into the May 8 general election. In a sign of the potential c...
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