Eskom’s CEO, Dan Marokane, has expressed confidence that South Africa will enjoy a loadshedding-free festive season. Speaking to the Electricity Portfolio Committee on 4 December 2024, Marokane assured members that the national power grid is stable, and the utility anticipates no power outages during the holidays. This optimistic outlook comes as the country prepares for a busy December, with many hoping for a reprieve from the persistent energy issues.
Marokane emphasized that Eskom is working tirelessly to maintain the stability of the grid throughout the festive period, and the utility’s leadership is focused on ensuring that power supply remains uninterrupted. He also shared plans to safeguard the grid’s reliability into the winter months, aiming for a loadshedding-free season next year.
However, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions from South Africans, who remain skeptical. Critics have accused Eskom of replacing loadshedding with “load-reduction,” arguing that the power utility is still struggling to provide consistent electricity. Despite these concerns, Eskom’s executives are holding firm in their assessment that the festive season will remain uninterrupted by power cuts.
As the holiday season approaches, many South Africans are eagerly awaiting to see if Eskom can indeed deliver on its promise. While the power utility faces significant challenges, Marokane’s comments bring a rare glimmer of hope for a more stable energy future in the short term.
