Question NW1901 to the Mr S Tambo (EFF) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
02 June 2023 - NW1901
Tambo, Mr S to ask the Mr S Tambo (EFF) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether his department considers itself liable for jeopardising the health rights of patients in public hospitals by implementing load shedding in public hospitals; if not, why not; if so, what (a) are the costs of opposing the North Gauteng High Court order to exempt public facilities and (b) are the details of the costs?
Reply:
The Department of Public Enterprises does not consider itself liable for jeopardizing the health rights of patients in public hospitals as the implementation of load shedding is a protective measure implemented by Eskom to avoid the posibility of a grid collapse. The costs of opposing the North Gauteng High Court order are minimal compared to the consequences of a grid collapse. If the grid system is left unprotected it will lead to disastrous consequences for the whole country, including patients in hospitals.
It is worth noting that the line function departments as well as Eskom are working on putting measures in place to protect the health facilities from being affected by load shedding. Eskom is currently working on a plan to exclude more health facilities and the line function Departments such as the Department of Health are procuring as much generators within their constrained budgets to alleviate the effects of load shedding.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
Date: Date: