Neelam Rahim / neelam@radioislam.co.za

2 min read
01 February 2023 / 22:02 pm CAT

Photo: DAILY INVESTOR

The ANC says it is certain that it would be possible to end load shedding by the end of the year. This would be possible by reprioritising the national budget and declaring a national state of disaster. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Monday that the ANC would explore the legal frameworks of what a national state of disaster would entail.

Discussing the developments with Radio Islam International, the DA’s Galeb Cachalia clarifies its position and similar calls on the ring-fenced State of Disaster on Eskom. And for transparency in the implementation of that particular state of disaster.

According to Cachalia, the state of disaster would allow the unfettered ability of executives within Eskom to do their job without incumbrances.

While talks surround a ring-fenced approach, transparency, and appointing an independent panel, a similar approach was adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic when a state of disaster was declared. Funds were made available, and the President has re-emphasised the same point of transparency, yet we saw the digital vibe saga and other mismanagement of funds.

Cachalia said mismanagement from the government concerning the endeavour put on the table in terms of a state of disaster around Eskom and possible results in a continuous failure in the electricity sector and a complete waste of funds would cause South Africa to collapse.

Meanwhile, the framework looked at by the government is the end of this year.

“Detail plans have got to be put on the table, made transparent and be vatted by experts. Bold claims cannot just be made of this nature,” Cachalia says.

Listen to the interview with Moulana Habib Bobat and the DA’s Galeb Cachalia on Radio Islam’s podcast.