Question NW1743 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
02 June 2023 - NW1743
Maotwe, Ms OMC to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Considering how the energy crisis constitutes an infringement of the constitutional rights of ordinary South Africans, what are the reasons that he is challenging a decision by the High Court to exempt schools, hospitals and police stations from load shedding? NW1991E
Reply:
The Government is appealing the rationale of the decision of the High Court to exempt schools, hospitals and police stations from load shedding as the implementation of this decision is impractical. Load shedding is a measure that is implemented to protect the Grid from collapsing and the schools, hospitals and police stations do not have an isolated connection to the Grid and are rather part of the integrated Grid system which makes it difficult to only switch on those institutions during load shedding.
In addition, it is worth noting that where possible Eskom is able to exclude some of those institutions from load shedding. To date, Eskom’s number of supply points identified are 196 police stations, 22371 public schools and 2960 public health establishments. Also, most of the hospitals and SAPS offices do have generators to enable them to circumvent load shedding.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not approved
Jacky Molisane PJ Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
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