Twelve of the country’s coal-fired power stations are in Mpumalanga. Many of the criminals are linked to sabotage and theft of diesel as well as coal at some of the power stations.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has since deployed members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to the stations to protect them from criminals.

Eskom Spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says criminal activities are making it difficult for the power utility to adequately discharge its responsibilities.

“Criminal activities like infrastructure theft, vandalism and sabotage undermine the stability and reliability of power supply and impact businesses large and small. These maleficent acts have an adverse impact on Eskom operations and its ability to generate revenue,” adds Mokwena.

Meanwhile, today marks 106 days since SA had load shedding, with such prolonged suspension last experienced nearly four years ago, between 08 September and December 11, 2020.

Earlier this week, Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said there has been more than R6-billion ($330 million) reduction in Open-Cycle Gas Turbines diesel expenditure from 1 April 1, 2024 to  June 30 2024, compared to the same period last year.

--SABC--