Group hopes court will hear load shedding application in February
A group consisting
of opposition political parties, individuals and trade union Numsa has given
the government and Eskom seven days to produce a comprehensive turnaround plan
to deliver consistent and reliable power supply.
The group, which includes Build One South Africa founder Mmusi Maimane, UDM leader Bantu Holomisa and Numsa general secretary Irvin Jim, is set to head to court in February to hold the government accountable for load shedding.
"It's a fundamental human right and the people can't even afford that, they are not going to afford the basic they go into a food basket,” Holomisa said.
“So I think we cannot delay the matter any further, that's why I said if you want to send a curt-up response that says you need more time, we will see you in court."
Members of the group held a media briefing in Sandton on Monday.
Through their legal team, they issued an ultimatum to the government and Eskom last week to stop load shedding by 20 January or face legal action.
They say there's been no response so far.
READ: 'Shortages' as load shedding hits the food sector
Among other things, the coalition's asking the court to suspend Nersa's recent approval of a 19% tariff hike for Eskom. They also want critical infrastructure protected, and public health facilities, schools, police services, and businesses trading in perishable goods to be exempt from power cuts.
Holomisa said they have noted President Cyril Ramaphosa's request to Eskom not to implement the tariff hike granted by energy regulator Nersa.
“The regulator cannot just change the policy because the president has expressed his wishes, but we are thankful that the president is beginning to feel the pinch. It's going to help if he tells the people in court."
