Much as I was enthusing about school holidays and the festive season being such a wonderful experience on the coast especially, I realised following an Eskom notification that all may not be as it should be.
Festive Christmas lights are always a part of holiday by the sea, especially when pedestrian walkways have the light poles festooned with chains of coloured lights.
The restive influence of this light show can be felt by one and all, and the feeling of Christmas joy is all around.
However, let me throw a spanner in the works by being curious how we can have festive lights, when we are being asked to use electricity sparingly.
Dire warnings are broadcast about how stretched the system is, so please to switch off pool pump, geyser, etc etc.
If we need to do this just to “keep the lights on”, how can we expect any extra illuminations at this time?
Eskom, bless their little cotton socks, have been given a bad hand and are struggling to ford their way through the challenges, just that with the money that is thrown at them, plus the expertise that is there for the asking – why oh why, are we in these dire straights.
Thank goodness the sun rises each morning, else we would be in twice as much darkness, because of the twice as many challenges! One thing is for certain in this country is that since Eskom began the most unwelcome blackout schedule, generator sales have gone through the roof.
Just a pity the price of petrol is so high, as on the one hand, you as a consumer, have your hands tied because the power is cut – yet running a generator to give your family light is prohibitively costly. Caught between a rock and a hard place.
Yet let us not forget, Christmas is the time of giving and remembering those people who are in need. Say a special prayer for them and help if and when you can. Bear in mind that you do not need to make your assistance general knowledge, as the definition of integrity is doing the right something, even though nobody is watching.
Merry Christmas to you all.
BIO
Trevor Barnes is a retired gentleman, who recently entered the club of septuagenarians. He was raised and schooled in Port Elizabeth at Grey High School until Std. 8 and finishing his matric year at Pretoria Boys High School. He trained as a cartographer and spent his productive working years on diamond mines or signage companies. His wife and he raised twin sons who presently are working in the UK and UAE respectively. His interests are history, exploring South Africa and meeting people.
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