ERMELO – A memorandum of demands was handed to Eskom at Camden Power Station on April 28 by the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC) Msukaligwa Sub-Region.

Closure concerns and economic impact

The organisation is calling for the planned 2030 closure of Camden Power Station to be halted, warning of serious impacts on jobs and the local economy.

It also urged Eskom to improve communication about the station’s future and its effect on the community.

Employment and labour demands

NAFCOC emphasised the need for prioritising local employment, regulating labour brokers, and ensuring transparent hiring processes that include youth, women and persons with disabilities.

Procurement and business opportunities

It further called for increased local procurement, greater opportunities for SMMEs, and reforms to tender processes to improve fairness and transparency.

Skills development, enterprise support and stronger community development initiatives also form part of the demands, alongside proposals for improved stakeholder engagement and accountability measures.

ALSO SEE: GALLERY – NAFCOC Hands Memorandum to Eskom at Camden Power Station

Eskom response

Camden General Manager Justice Bore accepted the memorandum on behalf of the power station and addressed those in attendance.

“I acknowledge receipt of the memorandum handed over to me. Together with my management team, we will review its contents and commit to providing a response within the stated timeframe. Thank you for your peaceful engagement today — I trust we can continue to work together.”

Highvelder has sent questions to Eskom’s media desk and awaits feedback.

Read more about the detailed procurement proposals and stakeholder demands in the Highvelder’s printed edition.