Fikile Mbalula screams sabotage after Eskom increased loadshedding at Ramaphosa’s expense
The recent burst boiler tubes at Eskom coal-fired power stations have once again plunged South Africa into load shedding, just a day after President Cyril Ramaphosa proclaimed that the end of load shedding was near.
In response to the increased load shedding, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has cried sabotage, suggesting that there may be deliberate misconduct within Eskom to derail the president.
This turn of events has made a mockery of the president’s promise and has raised concerns about the misuse of Eskom for political purposes.
According to political analyst Prof André Duvenhage from North-West University, it is widely known that Eskom has been misused for political gains in the past.
With the upcoming general election, Duvenhage believes that the workings or not workings of Eskom could have a significant impact on the voting behavior of the people.
This puts Eskom in a pivotal role in the political landscape of the country.
Duvenhage also noted that the escalation of load shedding is a setback for Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, as it indicates that he has little influence and is merely an add-on in the Presidency.
This raises questions about the effectiveness of the minister in addressing the challenges faced by Eskom.
While the possibility of sabotage cannot be excluded, it remains to be seen whether there is any evidence to support such claims.
The current situation with Eskom and load shedding highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the country’s energy crisis.
It is clear that the challenges faced by Eskom have far-reaching consequences, not only for the functioning of the power utility but also for the political landscape of South Africa.
As the country heads towards the general election, the actions and decisions surrounding Eskom will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized by the public.
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