At a media briefing on Thursday, presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said President Cyril Ramaphosa was concerned about the ever-increasing cost of living in South Africa.
This follows the approval of an 18.65% electricity tariff hike by the National Energy Regulator, while Eskom had asked for a 32% tariff increase.
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According to Magwenya, the president could not interfere in a statutory process that could see South Africans forced to endure another electricity price hike when South Africans are already not getting the electricity they paid for.
“Eskom does not need the money and is in need of funding and therefore there’s a balance that has to be maintained,” said Magwenya.
Magwenya said Ramaphosa was meeting regularly with the national energy crisis committee to implement solutions to end the current state of the energy crunch.
Ramaphosa also apologised to South Africans for the inconveniences caused by loadshedding.
“The president acknowledges the frustration of households, parents, and learners who have commenced the school calendar year facing power shortages. The devestation to small businesses and the adverse impact on the economy remains severe for South Africa’s recovering economy,” said Magwenya.
He added that Ramaphosa is occupied with “finding a sustainable solution to loadshedding” and is further demanding more urgency in the implementation of all priority areas and actions laid out in the National Energy Plan.
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Picture: Cape {town} Etc Gallery