ANC are to blame for Eskom mess

Eskom has been living dangerously for a number of years, increasing its wage bill and employee numbers while trying to borrow its way out of trouble. Eskom is now facing an unprecedented financial crisis, with borrowing costs set to soar to R600bn over the next few years. The current finance costs are already R41bn for the year, that is money used to service debt and nothing else. Eskom have continuously applied for above inflation increases in electricity tariffs, even though its energy availability on the grid has declined by 11% since 2006. The cost of electricity generation per kilowatt hour has increased by 345% since 2006. All the while Eskom’s credit rating has plummeted to below investment grade. The ANC have helped facilitate this rapid decline of Eskom. The ANC, not the Guptas, have overseen the deployment of politically-connected cadres such as Molefe, Koko and Singh that made short-term, self-looting decisions that have crippled the entity. Coal mines were not invested in, critical maintenance was delayed or siphoned off for corrupt activities, wage increases and bonuses were happily dished out while the ANC watched on and applauded their appointments and the decisions made.

Power failures are proudly brought to you by the ANC. With businesses, households, transport and individuals all affected by the debilitating impact of power failures, time has come for the ANC to be called out and take responsibility for this crisis. Voters must come out in 2019 and vote for a party that will not keep this country in the dark. Natasha Mazzone MP, DA shadow minister of public enterprises