President Cyril Ramaphosa Regrets Stage 6 Loadshedding Implementation, Says Nuclear Energy Is Off the Table

• President Cyril Ramaphosa says that he regrets the recent implementation of Stage 6 loadshedding
• The country is trying to find alternative energy sources; however, he said that nuclear power is not an option
• Ramaphosa encouraged Eskom executives and labour unions to focus on finding a solution to end the strike

JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa says that he regrets that Stage 6 loadshedding has been implemented in the country. He made the remarks while attending the seventh Southern African Customs Union Summit in Botswana on Thursday, 30 June.

Ramaphosa said that while the country is trying to find alternative energy sources, nuclear power is not an option. He said South Africa simply can't afford nuclear energy.

The president encouraged Eskom executives and labour unions to focus on finding a solution to the strike, which is adding pressure to the already exacerbated power utility. Speaking to SABC News, Ramaphosa said they should set their differences aside and put the country first.

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The country was plunged into darkness when Stage 6 loadshedding was implemented on Thursday, 30 June. The power utility blamed staff absenteeism and intimidation of working employees for the worsening situation.

Stage 4 loadshedding will continue throughout the day until 4pm, when Stage 6 will be reintroduced. News24 reported that Eskom and trade unions are expected to meet to discuss a deal that will hopefully end the labour strikes and intense loadshedding.

South Africans were left angered over President Cyril Ramaphosa’s remarks:

Cheryl Africa said:

“Lies, Lies, Lies, Lies. They had 28 years to fix the problems instead corruption was their first priority, period.”

Samuel T. Kisaame posted:

“Ramaphosa - All talk and no action. We all know where his true allegiance lies now, don't we?”

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Eskom employees in Mpumalanga say they will continue protesting until they are given salary increases

Ratson lifestyle commented:

“Ramaphosa, you guys are not making no effort, I am telling you to put new money in Eskom and get new generators at least one per year in the coming five years we will be having five brand new engines. You can't tell me that you're still telling us with breakdowns today.”

Ma Baker added:

“If he truly "regrets the Stage 6 load shedding", why doesn't he do something for a change instead of just flapping his gums!”

Eskom implements Stage 6 loadshedding as striking workers refuse to back down on salary increase demands

In a related matter, Briefly News also reported Eskom has announced that Stage 6 loadshedding will be implemented from 2pm until midnight on Thursday, 30 June. After that, Stage 4 will kick in until 5am the next morning, which will then later switch to Stage 6 again.

The power utility said that high levels of absent staff and intimidation of non-striking staff have made it difficult to conduct routine maintenance. According to a statement shared on Twitter, Eskom said the unlawful and unprotected strike had caused widespread disruption at Eskom’s plants.

Source: Briefly News