The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) says the higher stages of rolling blackouts are dealing a devastating blow to businesses and the economy.
The president of SACCI, Advocate Mthokozisi Xulu said: “It’s not possible to be productive with a partner like Eskom who just kicks into Stage 6 and even said we may go up to Stage 7 or 8 this week. So we are really devastated by the blow and just the sheer unreliability of Eskom which deals a blow to economic activity for today and the rest of the week’.
Eskom escalated rolling blackouts to stage 6 this weekend due to continued loss in generating capacity.
Following the tripping of a generation unit each at Kusile and Kriel power stations, Stage 6 loadshedding was implemented effective 04:16. Eskom appeals to the public to help conserve electricity.
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) September 18, 2022
Eskom CEO Andre De Ruyter says the grid was placed under serious pressure this week and liquidity to buy diesel is a problem, he also added that everyone should use electricity wisely.
Eskom briefS the public on its current system challenges:
President Cyril Ramaphosa will return to South Africa today after attending the funeral of British Queen Elizabeth II to address Eskom’s implementation of Stage 6 rolling blackouts.
He has cancelled plans to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
