The EIUG is extremely concerned about the industrial action by Eskom employees. This strike will be hugely detrimental to the fragile SA economy. The EIUG’s 32 members who consume 40% of the electrical energy in the country, collectively contribute around 22% to the GDP of SA and neither they nor any other companies in South Africa can afford to have electricity cuts.
Says Xolani Mbanga, CEO of the EIUG, “At this stage the load shedding has not been applied to large electricity users. We have been in contact with Eskom and note its intention to activate its contingency plan in the event of a strike. We appeal to the utility and its employees to find a speedy resolution to the impasse for the good of the country.”
The EIUG’s members together employ around 658 000 people in SA and are involved mainly in the resources, manufacturing, transport and agricultural sectors.
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