Possible Eskom shutdown on Thursday?

Speaking to a Ladysmith Eskom employee, it has come to light that Eskom workers may be “downing tools” and going on strike tomorrow (June 14).

Therefore, South Africans may experience a day of no power.

Strike action is evidently in the pipeline because Eskom has not increased their workers’ salaries this year.

In January this year, troubled state utility company Eskom appointed a new board of directors to help resolve their leadership crisis. President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan as Public Enterprises Minister in February to be in charge of state enterprises like Eskom.

Also read: 5 Things you need to know about the Eskom shutdown

This week, the power utility announced a 0% increase in wages and earmarked 10,000 jobs to be slashed. The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has responded by planning a total electricity shutdown to protest against the 0% salary increases of Eskom employees.

Eskom released a statement that they have measures in place to mitigate against the planned industrial action. They assured people that they will ensure the security of power supply should the strike happen.

Ladysmith residents should prepare themselves for a “blackout”.

Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or  for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there!