News24 reports that several high-profile law firms, leaders and NPOs have threatened Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan and Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter with legal action over their failure to provide a stable power supply to the country.
The letter issued to Gordhan and De Ruyter on Monday, was addressed to them by Mabuza Attorneys and at least six other law firms. The legal team has received the backing of UDM leader Bantu Holomisa, Build One SA leader Mmusi Maimane, policy analyst Lukhona Mnguni, the IFP, the National Union of Metalworkers of SA and several NPOs. The lawyers said their clients had instructed them to demand that load shedding be stopped with immediate effect and, if not, a full explanation be provided of why the government could not stop it. Alternatively, they demanded a specific timetable for when load shedding would end, and the reasons for the timetable. The team said the state should develop and make publicly available a clear plan to end load shedding, which had specify the resources available to ensure it was realised. The lawyers also demanded that the 18.65% tariff increase granted by the National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) should not be implemented, pending the determination of the court challenge their clients intended to institute. Eskom and Gordhan have until 20 January to respond to the letter to avoid legal action. "It cannot be disputed that the state, as represented by the ministry of public enterprises and Eskom, has not taken any reasonable measures to provide vulnerable South Africans with adequate and reliable energy, whether electricity or any other alternative forms of energy. In so doing, the state has contravened its duty to provide energy as imposed by the Constitution, national legislation, and contract," the lawyers argued.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Iavan Pijoos & Juniour Khumalo at News24
- Read too, Fed-up SA readies for legal battle over load-shedding and energy crisis, at BusinessLive (subscriber access only)
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page