Mbeki’s allegations of engineered load-shedding ‘plausible’ – expert

An independent energy expert confirms that Thabo Mbeki’s allegations of engineered load-shedding in South Africa are plausible. With three weeks to go to the Wednesday 29 May General Elections, the country’s state utility has managed to keep the electricity on for a record 40 consecutive days (960 hours).

As impressive as this feat is, it also highlights the former president’s allegations of engineered load-shedding in South Africa by Eskom, reports Daily Investor. As reported by The South African, the previous longest uninterrupted run since 2022 was just 19 days between Friday 15 December 2023 (the Rugby World Cup public holiday) and Tweede Nuwe Jaar on Tuesday 2 January 2024.

NOTHING TO DO WITH ELECTIONS

Can you believe policy makers could have engineered load-shedding in South Africa? Image: File

Moreover, Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa insists the Eskom record is not an ‘electioneering tool’. Nor does it have ‘anything to do with the upcoming vote’. However, the unprecedented run of power – which is nearing 1 000 hours – sits in stark contrast to the quite literal dark days of 2023, in which Mzansi endured 332 days of interrupted power.

Now, the spotlight has returned to former president Mbeki’s allegations that engineered load-shedding in South Africa is a reality. Energy expert Mohamed Madhi argues Mbeki’s explosive allegations that Eskom engineered load-shedding back in 2007/2008, ahead of Jacob Zuma ascending to the presidency in 2009 is totally plausible.

MBEKI’S ALLEGATIONS

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa insists the Eskom record is not an ‘electioneering tool’. Image: File

In 2023, the former president claimed Eskom deliberately engineered load-shedding in South Africa in the aforementioned years. Mbeki said load-shedding in 2008 was caused on purpose because power stations were not replenished with coal. “The power stations ran out of coal. It was not because there was no coal in the country. Eskom decided ‘let’s shut it down’,” said Mbeki.

Moreover, Mbeki said black economic empowerment (BEE) requirements were used to deliberately delay completion of the controversial Kusile power station. “Seven years after construction of Kusile power station started, there was not a single megawatt of electricity generated. Eskom then contracted an Indian company to help the build. They exceeded expectations and completed the first unit in double-quick time. However, the Indian company’s contract was never extended. Eskom denied the contract because it didn’t have a BEE partner. And further disputes resulted in the complete termination of the contract. To this day, Kusile is still not finished,” said Mbeki.

PLAUSIBLE, SAY EXPERTS

Lights on in Gauteng was a rare sight during the 332 days of load-shedding in 2023. Image: File

Moreover, the former president repeated his claims again last month (April 2024). He said engineered load-shedding in South Africa happens because there is a deliberate attempt to compromise the electricity supply. Station managers defy instructions to replenish their coal stocks before they run out.

Madhi confirms that Mbeki would not make these comments without credible information. He said, “Load-shedding in 2007/2008 was a sudden and unusual event. And it essentially disappeared after its initial occurrence, only raising its head again six-years later.”

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What do you think of the idea of engineered load-shedding in South Africa? If it is plausible, should those in charge not be held accountable? Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.

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