High Levels of Load Shedding in South Africa Explained by Electricity Minister

Government officials are working to address the ongoing power crisis in South Africa as the country experiences Stage 6 load shedding. The Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa met with the Eskom board to find ways to increase capacity as demand continues to grow. Ramokgopa dismissed reports that the country had been quietly moved to Stage 8, saying he is committed to transparency and open communication with the public about load shedding.

The Eskom board has prepared a winter plan to cope with the significant rise in electricity demand expected during the colder months. The plan was presented to the Minister and the Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan who will work to address the problem of load shedding, ensuring it is not as intense as it currently is.

Ramokgopa explained that current high levels of load shedding are due to the only functional unit at the Koeberg nuclear power station, unit 2, tripping in the early hours of Saturday. Along with increased demand, it has been a major contributor to the problem. However, the Minister noted that he was confident that the intensity of load shedding would be reduced soon.

Regarding the reshuffling of his position, Ramokgopa highlighted that the responsibility is exclusively the President’s, and he would not discuss it further. The Minister remains committed to working with the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe to resolve the ongoing power crisis, which is first and foremost on the government’s agenda.

The power crisis has had a significant impact on the lives of South Africans, with regular load shedding disrupting daily life and business operations. It is hoped that the government’s efforts to address the issue will lead to sustainable solutions and a more reliable power supply in the future.

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