Fury as Eskom’s ‘Parly power-play’ EXTENDS load shedding by two days

Eskom’s decision to lift load shedding ‘because of a request from Parliament‘ has left a bitter and sour taste in the mouths of millions of South Africans on Friday. From 12:00 until 17:00, the lights will come back on across the country so the National Assembly ‘can finalise its work’. However, this little power-play has left us with an unfavourable side-effect.

Stage 2 load shedding ‘extended for the weekend’

The utility has had to raid its own emergency supplies to ensure they can suspend load shedding for a brief period today. however, that’s undone some of the gains made in the previous few days. Therefore, to compensate for the extra consumption, Stage 2 power outages will now be in place from 17:00 on Friday, through to 22:00 on Sunday (6 June).

“In response to a request from the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Stage 2 load shedding will be suspended this afternoon, so a virtual sitting of Parliament can take place and pass a series of Appropriation Bills. This is essential for keeping the government operating, and the Bill dictates funding for hospitals, law enforcement, and essential services.”

“Eskom is required to use its emergency reserves during this period. Therefore, Stage 2 load shedding will resume at 17:00 on Friday, and come to a halt at 22:00 on Sunday. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.” | Eskom

Palpable fury directed towards Eskom

The move has elicited outrage online, and has drawn several prominent commentators into the debate. DA politicians, former Eskom executives, and some of SA’s most senior writers have lined up to take shots at the utility:

• – “Singing for your supper. Embarrassing!” – DA Shadow Trade Minister, Dean Macpherson
• – “So Loadshedding is a choice? I did not know this. South Africans are taken for a real ride” – Ex-Eskom CEO, Matshela Koko
• – “Eskom and the government have just officially announced that blackouts are *not* an emergency response to failing infrastructure but that the national grid is switched on and off depending on the needs of politicians” – Tom Eaton