South Africa Disputes Kgosientsho Ramokgopa’s Claims That Loadshedding Will End Soon
- Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said that loadshedding may end soon
- He responded to questions during the SONA debate in parliament and gave his reasons
- Wit University professor Dr Kenneth Creamer told Briefly News in January why he thinks Koeberg won't come online anytime soon
Tebogo Mokwena, Briefly News's current affairs journalist, offered coverage of current affairs like loadshedding, fuel prices and environmental affairs during his seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.
Source: Getty Images
The Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, assured the country that the end of loadshedding is nigh. He spoke during the State of the Nation Address debate and did his best to ensure South Africans that blackouts would be a thing of the past.
Loadshedding will end soon: Ramokgopa
According to SABC News, Ramokgopa remarked that the grid has been strengthened and the country is expected to be out of the woods. Even though South Africa is currently experiencing Stage 6 loadshedding and has been battling to keep the lights on,
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Ramokgopa remarked that Medupi 4 will return to service in September. He added that Unit 6 will also be synched online in November, adding 1600MW of power to the grid. He said that one unit in Koeberg will return online.
Dr Kenneth Creamer speaks to Briefly News
Dr Kenneth Creamer from Wits University told Briefly News early in January that it's unlikely that Koeberg will return online anytime soon.
“Given safety issues, the operation and life extension of nuclear power plants is a highly regulated matter, and there is potential for further delays in the Koeberg life extension project if South Africa’s National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) is not in a position to give all of the necessary approvals in the next few months,” he said.
Netizens doubt Ramokgopa's promise
South Africans on Facebook took what he said with a grain of salt. Some predicted that loadshedding would stop right before the 2024 general elections.
Henry Dique said:
“I think loadshedding will be suspended just before the election, and not long after it will be back again in full force.”
Ernest Knight added:
“The end of Ramokgopa and ANC is in sight.”
Nhlanhla Womfana Mnisi remarked:
“But he blasted his boss for saying the same thing in his Tintswalo speech.”
Jackspalow Katswiri Kika exclaimed:
“After the elections, it will start again.”
Solly Palare wrote:
“I don’t know if I should laugh or cry.”
Loadshedding caused by sabotage - Mbalula
Similarly, Briefly News reported that ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula said that loadshedding was caused by sabotage.
Mbalua spoke during the ruling party's recent mini-rally in Cato Manor, Durban. He called for more security for the country's power and substations.
South Africans agreed with him and warned his party might force him to apologise again.
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Source: Briefly News
