Durban - An energy expert has raised concerns about the high levels of load shedding being implemented this month when many heavy industries shut down for the festive season.
This comes as Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the Presidency and the department of public enterprises requested the minister of defence to provide support to the power utility amid the increasing threat of sabotage, theft, vandalism and corruption at Eskom power stations.
Eskom has lurched from one crisis to another and CEO André de Ruyter resigned last week as the power utility continues to be the greatest inhibitor to economic growth, job creation and a drain on the fiscus.
Currently more than 6 000 megawatts need to be shed from the national grid which means at least six hours a day without power for most South Africans under Stage 6. Stage 5 is set to be implemented from 5am on Monday.
Eskom has had 13 CEOs in the past decade and board chairperson Mpho Makwana said an extensive search for the next CEO would be conducted.
Energy expert Chris Yelland said the demand for power was low with high demand expected to resume next month.
“We have seen stage 6 and stage 5 for an extended period when demand is low in the December period.
“Mpumalanga is in a state of criminality with corrupt coal supply contracts, corruption in the transportation of coal, the theft of coal and oil and the delivery of substandard coal to Eskom,” said Yelland.
He said there had been direct and indirect sabotage at power plants.
“We have to see how things play out, but the real test will be in January,” said Yelland.
Reports indicate that Eskom’s acting spokesperson Aubrey Sambo confirmed that the military had been deployed at four power stations including Camden, Majuba, Tutuka and Grootvlei.