CAPE TOWN - With just two days before the much-anticipated local government elections on Monday, questions have been raised about struggling Eskom’s ability to provide electricity during this crucial period in the country’s democracy.
However, the IEC and Eskom have moved to assure South Africans that power cuts will not negatively impact the elections.
There are 3.1 million registered voters in the province, 1 577 voting stations, 18 700 electoral staff, 96 political parties, 12 400 candidates and 85 independent candidates.
“Eskom (and) the Commission have been engaged in high level discussions aimed at ensuring that load shedding will not take place in a 48-hour period as from Monday to Tuesday,” the IEC said.
“Intensive consultations through the Provincial Joint Operations Command (Provjoc) have been taking place over the past months with key role-players, including SAPS, Eskom, City of Cape Town Metro and disaster management teams.
“Where temp structures are used, generators have been hired or provided by local municipalities, while we have also procured lanterns for use in our stations.”
Eskom confirmed they were doing everything in their power to be able to suspend load shedding by Saturday morning.
“However, there is always a residual risk; and part of the reason why we have load shedding right now is for Eskom to replenish its reserves, both from storage as well as its diesel reserves in order to be in a better position to meet demand during next week. Eskom will keep the country fully informed of any developments,” Eskom said.
Human rights activist, policy analyst and regular Cape Times contributor Nkosikhulule Nyembezi said that if anything, load shedding would reinforce already made choices as to how to vote in these elections.
“It is unlikely to negatively affect the decision of citizens to vote or not to vote, or which candidates they vote for. It is unlikely to negatively affect the administration of elections by the Electoral Commission, as measures have already been put in place for voting days.
“If anything, load shedding will reinforce already made choices as to how to vote in these elections, as most voters are showing signs of preparedness to divorce from the marriage of inconvenience resulting from unfulfilled election promises.
“What is important to remember is that – as can be deduced from a number of StatsSA household surveys – due to high unemployment and poverty rates, a growing number of poor South Africans rely on the informal economy.
“They use self-help to connect to the electricity grid, they do not pay for electricity, and have no expectation to complain to anyone for the load shedding. On the other hand, big businesses are increasingly building infrastructure to reduce reliance on Eskom. They have little hope that these elections will change that path.”
Political analyst Dr Kuhle Zwakala said: “Even though load shedding causes rage and inconveniences citizens, it will not solely have a direct impact on voting outcomes in next week's elections. With three days to go, voters’ minds have been made up. This can be attributed to voters’ brand loyalty to their parties and trust in their selected independent candidates.
“We can expect a high voter turnout. Furthermore, South African voters are smarter, they are well aware of the inherent systematic causes of load shedding and the lack of other basic services.”
Detailing the impact of load shedding, Delft resident, missing persons NGO director and small-business owner Candice van der Rheede said her income was impacted when there were power cuts because she works from home.
She runs a clothing embroidery business that comes to a complete standstill.
“Even with our (missing persons work) it has become a challenge. We need to get our flyers printed and distributed and mobilising search teams is also affected because you can’t reach people on the ground due to their cellphone batteries dying or signal being affected,” said Van der Rheede.
Delft residents had their electricity cut up to three times a day, she said.
“Sometimes the electricity doesn’t even come back on when it is scheduled to do so. It is very frustrating because it affects your planning,” said Van der Rheede.
Tuckshop owner Sumaya Petersen said she has run stock losses since last week.
“It is already a struggle just keeping your head above water to keep your business going. now you have to compete with load shedding. Our stock in fridges is damaged due to load shedding happening more than once a day. And who will recover those losses for us? Eskom just shrugs its shoulders,” said Petersen.
Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Jacques Moolman said the impact of load shedding on SME’s was “devastating”.
“These are the enterprises we especially need to grow and employ more people. Bigger private sector operations that have not invested in backup generators will also be hard hit.
“Contingency plans that could be implemented at short notice would be the answer, but these are expensive and most SME’s cannot afford it,” said Moolman.
Moolman said the financial losses suffered to the local economy as a result of load shedding were estimated at R50 million “but it is a moving figure up and down depending on measures taken to soften the blow”.
Cape Times