Eskom has implemented Stage 4 load shedding from 11a.m on Friday. In a statement on Friday, the power utility said that this is due to some of its employees embarking on an unprotected strike action.
"Eskom experienced protests at nine of its power
stations and other operating facilities, by some of its employees who have
embarked on unprotected strike action following a deadlock in wage negotiations
on Tuesday.
"These protests included incidents of intimidation of
working employees and blockading of roads leading to power stations and,
inhibiting the free flow of personnel and commodities required for the
generation of electricity and smooth operations.
"The increased unavailability of plants has
necessitated an extensive usage of emergency generation reserves, which are
depleting faster than can be replenished.
Eskom has reported these acts of illegality to the police," said spokesperson,
Sikonathi Mantshantsha.
Manthantsha says Stage 4 load shedding will last until
midnight on Friday. He added that on Saturday and Sunday, Stage 4 loadshedding
will also be implemented from 5am until midnight.
‘’ It is necessary to bolster emergency generation
reserves to react to unforeseen circumstances, as well as to replenish
emergency reserves to prepare for the week ahead. This would help fill the
generation deficit while dealing with generating units that may trip amidst the
disturbances and compensate for the inability to return generating units
timeously to service.
Manthantsha says the parastatal is in talks to find
solutions to end the strike.
‘’While exploring possible solutions to unlock the deadlock
with the unions, Eskom appeals to its labour partners and striking employees to
embrace the higher purpose of putting the people of South Africa first, respect
the law and to desist from illegal and undemocratic conduct.’’
Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town says its customers will
load shed on stage 3 on Friday until 10p.m
Picture: PixabayDone By: Mitchum George
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