End load-shedding chaos in JHB

Sign the DA’s petition in support of the below communication with City Power in JHB. The load-shedding chaos in the City must be addressed now.

Dear Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda, MMC Jack Sekwaila, and Senior Management of City Power,

We, the undersigned, concerned residents and stakeholders of the City of Johannesburg, submit this petition to address the current state of chaos and disruption caused by the recent transition of load-shedding operations from Eskom to City Power.

Specifically, we bring to your attention the following issues:

• Extended and inconsistent load-shedding blocks: Numerous areas, including Blocks 2 and 14, have experienced several days of 2.5-hour load-shedding blocks separated by 90 minutes. This erratic schedule has caused severe disruptions to the day-to-day lives of residents, but also to the operation of small businesses – despite City Power’s claims to exempt businesses from load-shedding
• Lack of clear communication: The acknowledgment of a “glitch” in the system by City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena on 7/11 is concerning. While efforts are underway to resolve the matter, referring to it as a non-crisis does not align with the experiences of residents and businesses facing disruptions.
• Failure to provide clear information: Despite efforts by the DA to seek clarification, there has been a lack of response from Sipho Gamede, the head of City Power load-shedding operations. Requests for clear maps outlining load-shedding blocks and a strategy to rectify the issue have gone unanswered
• Inadequate warning to councillors: Councillors were not adequately forewarned about the switch in load-shedding operations, receiving only a single notice to the public seven days prior to the implementation of this significant change.
• Contradictions in load-shedding duration: Over the weekend, Block 14 experienced 7.5 hours of load-shedding separated by 90-minute intervals, reflecting a Stage 6 load-shedding scenario in contrast to the country’s Stage 3 status. This contradicts City Power’s statement of reducing the effects of load-shedding on customers.

In light of these concerns, we, the DA, hereby petition the following actions:

• Immediate reversion to original Eskom load-shedding blocks: We request an immediate return to the original load-shedding blocks as outlined by Eskom at the beginning of the load-shedding period, providing residents and businesses with much-needed predictability.
• Urgent increase in manpower and resources: City Power must urgently assess and address the shortage of operators and resources responsible for managing load-shedding. Adequate manpower is essential for the effective switching of substations and the timely response to unplanned outages.
• Transparent communication and resolution: City Power should provide transparent and regular communication regarding the identified glitches, with a clear strategy outlined to rectify the issues promptly.
• Consideration of handing load-shedding responsibilities back to Eskom: If City Power is unable to manage load-shedding effectively due to a lack of manpower or other operational challenges, we propose the reconsideration of handing back load-shedding responsibilities to Eskom for more competent and reliable management.

We believe that the implementation of these measures will not only alleviate the current chaos but also contribute to a more stable and efficient system for load-shedding in the future.

We kindly request your urgent attention to these matters to safeguard the well-being and interests of the residents and businesses of Johannesburg. Thank you for your consideration of this petition. We look forward to a prompt and positive response.

Sign the DA’s petition and show your support. City Power must respond and act now, residents need stability and communication around the already devastating inconvenience of blackouts.