GOOD Statement by Brett Herron,
GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
13 October 2023
The GOOD Party welcomes the crackdown, by SARS, on what is understood to be a sophisticated criminal syndicate of alleged coal-smugglers who have played a major role in exacerbating the energy crisis.
The agency led an inter-governmental search and seizure operation based on information regarding alleged tax crimes committed by members of this group.
While this development only addresses one of the multiple challenges behind the power utility’s inability to keep the lights on, it is encouraging and essential if we are to end the crisis.
When high-grade coal is replaced with low-grade supply, it severely damages the infrastructure at power stations, breaking down the ability to generate electricity.
The fact that action is being taken to address the role of crime and corruption does provide us with some hope that the entrenched greed in Eskom and the associated power cuts will eventually end.
For far too long load-shedding has crippled livelihoods and businesses in South Africa, while the corrupt happily continued to strip Eskom bare. These specific operations are estimated to cost taxpayers more than R500 million.
While those responsible for dealing with organised crime are doing their part, Eskom management and government leaders need to remain focused on concrete steps toward sustainable solutions.
This includes improving the performance of Eskom’s existing power stations and taking urgent steps towards bringing in additional renewable energy to the grid.
Despite countless war rooms and commitments to speedily address the energy crisis, South Africans will still be expected to live with power cuts for the foreseeable future.
We deserve a continued, relentless commitment to solving this energy crisis from all role-players involved.
Media Enquiries:
Brett Herron, GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
Cell: 082 518 3264
Email: bretth@forgood.org.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 073 367 1223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za