The DA says there is a strong possibility of rolling blackouts during September and October 2019.<\/p>\n
In a statement<\/a> <\/strong>on Thursday (19 September), the party said it has received reliable information about the potential blackouts.<\/p>\n It further called on Eskom chairperson Jabu Mabuza to outline the threat of these blackouts and the potential impact on the country.<\/p>\n “The impact of rolling blackouts which made an unwelcome appearance earlier this year, was a primary contributor to a 3.2% contraction of the economy in the first quarter \u2013 the largest contraction in 10 years,” it said.<\/p>\n “Eskom has kept the country\u2019s economy down on its knees \u2013 with unacceptably high levels of unemployment and job losses due to rolling blackouts.<\/p>\n “Another episode of rolling blackouts would be a major blow for South Africans, who bear the effects of abject poverty, and unemployment.”<\/p>\n While no load shedding is expected over summer, the risk remains as the system is still tight and vulnerable, Eskom said in an emailed statement to BusinessTech.<\/p>\n It said that it will provide an update should there be significant changes on the power system.<\/p>\n