Cape Town – Deputy President Paul Mashatile firmly believes that load shedding will be completely eradicated by the year 2024.
Speaking at the University of Johannesburg’s School of Public Management, Governance, and Public Policy on Tuesday, Mashatile highlighted government efforts to address energy challenges, improve logistics systems, and enhance port and rail networks.
“I would like to assure you that plans are in place, nationally, to ensure that load shedding is ended this year. I know you don’t believe me. They think I am electioneering, but I am not. It is true. That is why I am not saying it will end before the elections. I am saying this year,” he said, according to The Citizen.
“I’m not electioneering, but load shedding will be over by the end of the year.”- Paul Mashatile, Deputy President, RSA.
Speaking at a lecture celebrating 30-years of democracy at @go2uj, Mashatile has maintained that the end of load shedding is nigh. pic.twitter.com/0sVgYpA8sV
— The Legal SA (@TheLegalSA) April 9, 2024
Mashatile provided reassurance that the Electricity Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has strategies in place to eliminate load shedding.
“I said to him, no you are not working yourself out of a job, once you have ended load shedding you must plan for the next 10 years. You must invest in generation, make sure that Eskom builds new power stations, ensure that renewables are implemented solar, wind, making sure that they can power. So, there are various initiatives which must come into the mainstream. I said to him your job is not ending when you end load shedding this year,” SABC quoted him as saying.
Mashatile emphasised the importance of investing in new energy generation sources, including renewables like solar, wind, and gas, after resolving the load shedding issue.
His statements came amid ongoing efforts to reduce power cuts, with Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa attributing recent improvements to planned maintenance and effective Eskom management.
As the country approaches the upcoming national and provincial elections, Mashatile emphasised the significance of the polls and the need for political parties to serve the nation effectively.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
