ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has reassured the public that South Africa’s electricity grid is no longer on the brink of collapse. Previously, there were concerns about a potential “doomsday scenario” as the country faced increasing stages of load shedding before the winter season. However, due to the progress made by Eskom and the government in implementing an energy action plan, the situation has improved. Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) reached 60% early last month, resulting in lower stages of load shedding.
During a media briefing at the Luthuli House in Johannesburg, Mbalula disclosed that the information about a potential national blackout originated from the (CIA). He expressed concern about the CIA’s activities within South Africa, emphasizing that they had not collaborated with the country’s intelligence services regarding the matter. Mbalula recalled that the Minister of Electricity, Sputla Ramokgopa, as well as the President, had already dismissed the rumors as false. While acknowledging the challenges faced, Mbalula assured that the grid would not collapse.
Mbalula also addressed the recent incident involving the assault of civilians by Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s security detail. He called upon the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) to promptly investigate the matter. The public expressed outrage after members of the South African Police Service’s VIP Protection Unit were caught on camera allegedly assaulting three South African National Defence Force (SANDF) trainees on the N1 highway in Johannesburg. Although the four members of the VIP Protection Unit have been suspended, Mbalula highlighted the need for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the assault.
Concerned about the potential politicization of the incident, Mbalula warned that if no one was held accountable, it could be used as a “political football” against the ANC. He dismissed the notion that Deputy President Mashatile should bear responsibility for the actions of his protectors, emphasizing that it is the responsibility of law enforcement officers to carry out their duties appropriately. Mbalula emphasized the importance of focusing on those responsible for implementing the law.
Furthermore, Mbalula confirmed that the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) would convene over the weekend to discuss various issues, including the party’s manifesto. The NEC will review the manifesto and consider the guidelines for the selection process of candidates. Mbalula highlighted the ANC’s sense of responsibility as a governing party, contrasting it with opposition parties who he claimed “complain every day” without the same level of accountability. Additionally, he mentioned that the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL) will hold its national elective conference in mid-July.
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