Deputy President Paul Mashatile recently expressed his confidence that load shedding in South Africa will come to an end in 2024.
Speaking at the University of Johannesburg’s School of Public Management, Governance, and Public Policy, Mashatile delivered a public lecture to mark 30 years of democracy in the country.
During his speech, Mashatile highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to address the issue of load shedding.
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He emphasized that significant progress has been made in ensuring energy security, enhancing logistics systems, and improving ports and rail networks. Mashatile assured the audience that comprehensive plans are in place to put an end to load shedding this year.
While acknowledging the scepticism surrounding his statement, Mashatile clarified that he is not merely electioneering. He firmly believes that the government’s commitment to ending load shedding is genuine.
He mentioned that the reason he did not specify a timeline before the upcoming elections is to avoid any perception of political manoeuvring. Mashatile reiterated that load shedding will be resolved within this year.
“I would like to assure you that plans are in place, nationally, to ensure that load shedding is ended this year. I know you don’t believe me. They think I am electioneering, but I am not. It is true. That is why I am not saying it will end before the elections. I am saying this year.”
Mashatile stressed the importance of investing in new generation sources once load shedding is resolved. He highlighted the need for Eskom, the national electricity utility, to build new power stations and implement renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and gas.
Mashatile acknowledged the efforts of the Minister of Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, in working towards ending load shedding. He noted that Ramokgopa’s goal to work himself out of a job is admirable but emphasized the need for long-term planning to ensure sustained energy stability for at least the next decade.
In addition to discussing load shedding, Mashatile also shared his thoughts on the upcoming national and provincial elections. He emphasized the significance of these elections, stating that they are arguably the most important in the nation’s history.
With numerous registered political parties vying to serve in parliament and the legislatures, Mashatile expressed hope for a successful and democratic election on May 29, 2024.
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Meanwhile, during a media briefing on the Energy Action Plan (EAP), Minister Ramokgopa highlighted the drivers behind the reduction in load shedding. He attributed the improvement to planned maintenance and effective Eskom management. The suspension of load shedding for 13 consecutive days marks the longest period without power cuts this year.
Ramokgopa further explained that when comparing the period from March 1 to March 31, 2023, with the same period this year, there has been a significant decrease in load-shedding incidents. Stage 1 load shedding has reduced to only one occurrence during this financial year, compared to two incidents in the previous year. The intensity of load shedding has also decreased, with higher stages being less frequent than the previous year.
