Eskom Appeals for Load Shedding Court Ruling Instead of Fixing Power Crisis

ActionSA expresses deep concern and disappointment that, amidst South Africa’s dire financial challenges, the President, the Minister of Electricity, and Eskom have opted to seek leave to appeal the significant judgment delivered by the Full Bench of the North Gauteng High Court on December 1, 2023. This pivotal judgment deemed load shedding unconstitutional and mandated that electricity supply be consistently maintained for public institutions like schools, hospitals, and the SAPS.

Specifically, Eskom, along with the President and the Minister of Electricity, intends to challenge segments of the ruling that supported ActionSA’s plea for exempting essential institutions from rolling blackouts, citing concerns about the judgment’s clarity.

Rather than addressing the court’s valid concerns, especially how load shedding violates the fundamental rights of South Africans, and safeguarding vulnerable sectors from power interruptions, these entities have chosen to allocate taxpayer funds towards contesting the judgment.

It’s widely recognized how load shedding has negatively impacted communities, leading to dysfunctional police lines, compromised healthcare services, and disrupted educational environments. The government’s claim of “insufficient evidence” to validate these effects is disconcerting and raises questions about their commitment to protecting essential services.

ActionSA remains steadfast in its commitment to shield vulnerable South Africans from governmental inadequacies and will employ all necessary measures to ensure accountability. Despite load shedding plaguing the nation since 2007, the ruling party’s inertia remains evident. ActionSA is poised to drive tangible solutions to this enduring energy crisis.

“We extend our gratitude to our legal team and Adv Gillian Benson for their unwavering dedication to this cause. Their efforts underscore our resolve to hold the government accountable. The repercussions of load shedding are profound: job losses escalate, crime rates surge, schools face closures, and essential healthcare services are compromised. Such outcomes are untenable.”

Despite the President’s initial endorsement of the judgment, it’s perplexing that taxpayers must now finance an extensive legal team, including multiple senior advocates, to challenge a ruling the government ostensibly opposed from the start. The recurring broken promises to alleviate load shedding are disheartening. The recent festive season demonstrated that with genuine commitment, solutions emerge. Yet, the government’s current stance contradicts this potential.

As ActionSA remains dedicated to the South African populace, we will persistently urge the national government to prioritize citizens’ welfare, address the grave implications of load shedding, and fulfill essential service obligations.