High Court Declares Load Shedding Unconstitutional: Numsa’s Response

Landmark Judgment in Energy Crisis: South Africa’s enduring power struggles take a new turn as the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) celebrates a significant legal victory. The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has ruled load shedding unconstitutional, calling it a breach of basic human rights.

Numsa’s Stance:

• Victory for the Masses: Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Majola heralds this ruling as a triumph for “the working class and the poor of our country.”
• Government’s Directive: The court orders Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa to safeguard critical state services from the impacts of load shedding.

Majola’s Demands:

• Immediate Government Action: Majola urges the government to comply with the court’s decision to halt deliberate power cuts.
• Shift in Energy Policy: Numsa calls for re-investment in coal and maintenance of coal-fired power stations, alongside restarting mothballed power facilities.
• Renewable Energy Criticism: Majola criticizes the current Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers (REIPP’s) for being costly and unreliable.

Broader Implications:

• Against ANC Policies: Majola attributes the power crisis to the ANC government’s implementation of a ‘fake Just Energy Transition’.
• Demand for Public Consultation: Numsa seeks an inclusive dialogue with all societal segments to determine a suitable energy mix for the nation.

Government’s Position:

• Acknowledging the Ruling: The Presidency acknowledges the judgment, indicating that it is currently reviewing the decision and will announce further actions in due time.

This ruling marks a pivotal moment in South Africa’s energy sector, potentially reshaping the nation’s approach to power generation and distribution amidst ongoing load shedding challenges.