Central SA
Opposition parties slam ANC for using load-shedding as an election ploy─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 10:55 Mon, 13 May 2024
“The ANC has started to burn anything possible, including diesel, in an attempt to keep lights on to fool people as we head to elections.”
While the ANC touts recent measures to curb power outages as evidence of its commitment to addressing the energy crisis in the country, opposition parties are crying foul, alleging political machinations at play.
During a recent SABC’s Elections 360 debate focusing on energy in Mangaung Metro, Free State EFF spokesperson Mapheule Liphoko minced no words in accusing the ANC of exploiting the electricity crisis for electoral gain.
Supporters of the parties represented at the debate were also present in Kagisanong Community Hall in Rocklands, Bloemfontein. Photo: Screenshot
Liphoko claimed the ANC’s sudden efforts to keep the lights on were merely an attempt to pull the wool over voters’ eyes. “The ANC has started to burn anything possible, including diesel, in an attempt to keep lights on to fool people as we head into the elections,” Liphoko declared.
His sentiments were echoed by fellow panellists representing various political parties. The DA’s Kevin Milenham highlighted the ANC’s past failures regarding renewable energy. Milenham pointed out the ANC’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme, which was put on hold from 2015 to 2022, resulting in a significant delay in connecting renewable energy sources to the grid.
“Let’s be very clear, load-shedding equals job-shedding,” Milenham said, underscoring the economic ramifications of the energy crisis.
The ANC’s Thabo Meeko defended his party’s track record, arguing that the recent energy initiatives were not motivated by electoral considerations but were part of a long-standing strategy to address the energy crisis. Meeko pointed to the unveiling of the energy action plan in 2022, emphasising that the government’s commitment to renewable energy predated the election cycle.
ACM representative, Granny Seate, during the Elections 360 debate in Mangaung. Photo: Screenshot
Granny Seate and Tony Mokoena, representing African Content Movement and African Transformation Movement respectively, echoed the sentiment that load-shedding was a consequence of political manoeuvring rather than a technical issue.
Mokoena drew parallels between the timing of load-shedding and major events, such as the Rugby World Cup and Grade 12 exams, suggesting a deliberate manipulation of power supply for political ends.
ACT representative, Tony Mokoena, during the Elections 360 debate held in Mangaung. Photo: Screenshot
Mokoena drew parallels between the timing of load-shedding and major events, such as the Rugby World Cup and Grade 12 exams, suggesting a deliberate manipulation of power supply for political ends.
