DA demands urgent intervention by MEC Mamabolo to ensure Johannesburg residents are not subjected to forced load shedding

November 11, 2024

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng demands that Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC Jacob Mamabolo, under Article 139 of the Constitution, intervene in the City of Joburg (CoJ) financial crisis and the non-payment of Eskom R4. 9 billion debt. Section 139(5) allows the provincial government to impose a recovery plan that allows the municipality to meet its obligations.

The Court of Justice is failing to meet its financial responsibilities, which is now putting residents at a disadvantage by imposing forced burden shedding on them.

Last week, Eskom announced its intention to cut electricity supplies at certain times. This is a huge inconvenience and will affect businesses large and small who do not have backup generators to allow them to continue trading.

It is worrying that residents who pay for electricity are being punished for the CoJ’s mismanagement of finances.