Johnathan Paoli
Deputy president Paul Mashatile has expressed confidence in the government’s plans to ensure a final end to loadshedding by December this year.
Mashatile was giving a public lecture on 30 years of democracy at the University of Johannesburg on Tuesday morning and said the government will be introducing several energy-generating projects into the mainstream.
Mashatile said strides were being made in addressing load shedding, enhancing security in the country, as well as improving the logistics system and the ports and rail networks.
He said Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has made significant progress in engaging load shedding and that once this hurdle was overcome, more energy could be given to forward planning.
“I would like to assure you that plans are in place nationally to ensure that load shedding is ended this year. I know you don’t believe me. They think I am electioneering, but I am not. It is true. That is why I am not saying it will end before the elections. I am saying this year,” he said.
Mashatile said the government was also aware that it must strengthen the social compact, working together with different sectors of society to overcome some of the country’s obstacles.
“You must invest in the new generation, make sure Eskom builds new power stations, ensure that renewables are implemented, and make sure that we can also use gas to power,” said Mashatile.
“They think I am electioneering, but it is true. That is why I am not saying it will end before the elections. I am saying this year. The minister of electricity has been working very hard,” Mashatile said.
In addition he praised the progress made in infrastructure development, including projects worth about R21.4-billion aimed at stimulating economic growth and recovery and stressed the need for greater involvement of young people and women in developmental projects.
Mashatile highlighted initiatives to tackle pressing issues, such as the water crisis, and said President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed him to lead a task team to address the challenges.
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