Western Cape Premier welcomes President’s Coordinating Council meeting on energy crisis

Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde welcomes the convening of a specialist President’s Coordinating Council (PCC) on Friday, to discuss the ongoing energy crisis.

“I wrote to President Cyril Ramaphosa this week urgently appealing for transparency on the national government’s plan to address the energy crisis. I reiterate: given the catastrophic impact this crisis has had on the economy and that it infringes on the fundamental rights of our citizens, we desperately need a tangible national plan that delivers urgent action,” says Winde.

In his letter, the premier outlined the magnitude of destruction that load-shedding is having on the country, particularly in the Western Cape, with last year’s real GDP loss to the province estimated at R8.2 billion.

“We must see urgency emerge from this PCC, which has been sorely lacking for too long, while citizens are left feeling abandoned and hopeless. It is inexcusable that when facing a crisis of this magnitude we are left with morsels and rumours, but nothing concrete,” he added.

Following Friday’s PCC meeting, Winde also urged Ramaphosa to be honest with the country about the scale of the energy crisis and the damage that it has done.

 

Done by: Thaakiera Ackerdien