The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) strongly condemns the return of Stage 6 load shedding, which has once again plunged the country into darkness, disrupting lives, crippling businesses, and worsening the already dire socio-economic crisis. This return to intensified power cuts is not just a technical failure; it is a direct consequence of the government’s mismanagement of Eskom and its continued adherence to disastrous neoliberal policies that have undermined our energy security.
Eskom’s deteriorating performance reflects years of underfunding, corruption, and privatization efforts that have prioritized profits over people. The government’s failure to invest in maintaining and expanding public electricity generation, coupled with its reckless drive to privatize the energy sector, has left South Africans at the mercy of rolling blackouts and skyrocketing electricity prices. The latest escalation of load shedding further exacerbates job losses, disrupts public services, and deepens inequality, disproportionately affecting the working class and poor communities.
While the ruling elite continues to promise stability in energy supply, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Households are struggling with unreliable electricity while businesses, particularly small and informal traders, suffer immense losses. Meanwhile, multinational corporations and the wealthy elite, who can afford private power alternatives, remain largely shielded from the devastating impacts of load shedding.
SAFTU reiterates its demand for a radical transformation of the energy sector. This includes:
An end to the creeping privatization of Eskom and the rejection of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) as a substitute for a publicly owned and democratically controlled energy system.
Massive public investment in Eskom’s infrastructure to upgrade and maintain power stations, ensuring reliable and affordable electricity for all.
A transition to renewable energy that is publicly owned and does not serve as another profit-making avenue for private corporations.
The immediate filling of critical vacancies at Eskom to ensure efficient operation and prevent further breakdowns.
Holding accountable those responsible for the looting and mismanagement of Eskom that has crippled its ability to deliver on its mandate.
The worsening energy crisis is yet another indicator of the failure of the so-called Government of National Unity (GNU), which has continued the ANC’s neoliberal trajectory, prioritizing austerity and privatization over the needs of the people. The alliance between the ANC and DA serves only the interests of capital while leaving workers and the poor to suffer the consequences of their policy failures.
SAFTU calls on workers and communities to mobilize in defense of public services and against the neoliberal agenda that seeks to commodify basic necessities. We reiterate our call for mass demonstrations against austerity, privatization, and the deepening socio-economic crisis. The ongoing energy crisis is proof that we need an alternative economic system—one that places people before profits!
We demand energy security now! No to privatization! No to austerity! Forward to a publicly owned and democratically managed Eskom!
A Statement was issued on behalf of SAFTU by General Secretary Zwelinzima Vavi.
For more details, contact the National Spokesperson at:
Newton Masuku
066 168 2157
Newtonm@saftu.org.za
