Substations at risk over Eskom strike

ETHEKWINI municipality is set to increase security at all its electricity substations to prevent sabotage should Eskom workers go on strike this week.

Speaking during the executive committee meeting yesterday, Mayor Zandile Gumede said she had instructed senior managers to ensure substations and other electricity infrastructure remained secured until the strike was over.

“Please make sure that security is there. We do not want our substations to be blown up. Make sure they are secured until the strike is over,” the mayor said.

Gumede’s announcement was made after councillor Mondli Mthembu told exco that the city had been informed of the strike, which could affect operations in the city. It was reported that some unions were planning to strike tomorrow if their demands for wage increases were not met.

Meanwhile, Eskom said yesterday that workers could not go on strike after it announced that it would not be able to offer salary increases due to its financial situation.

“Eskom has noted the statements made by the trade unions about their intentions to embark on an industrial action this Thursday. Eskom has been designated as an essential service provider, and therefore our employees are reminded that they are not allowed to participate in strike actions.

“In an effort to ensure security of power supply, Eskom will activate its contingency measures should the industrial action take place,” it said.