Share

35 000 jobs on line over Eskom hikes

Durban - As many as 35 000 people in the sugar cane industry could lose their jobs if Eskom is granted a 16% electricity increase, the SA Cane Growers' Association said on Thursday.

The increase could result in the closure of four mills, the association's financial affairs director Thomas Funke said at a public hearing held by the National Energy Regulator of SA (Nersa) in Durban.

He said the sugar cane industry made R10bn a year and employed 350 000 people.

There would be a 19.4% loss of income in the industry if the increase was granted. It would also have a dramatic effect on food security.

"We believe the increase is not appropriate and not affordable. A double digit increase will have serious impact on net returns."

Funke said an increase higher than inflation was not possible for the association to digest.

National Union of Metalworkers of SA president Cedric Gcina warned that an electricity increase would negatively affect industries and the poor.

In his submission, he highlighted the impact the increase would have on the smelting industry.

Gcina said that in a snap survey in November, 10 energy intensive companies indicated to Numsa that electricity accounted for 37.04% of their operating costs.

The survey revealed that with the proposed electricity price increase, operating costs would increase by on average 6.83% a year, and that as a result, two-thirds of the smelting companies may have to close down. Gcina said one company indicated it would retrench workers.

Congress of SA Trade Unions KwaZulu-Natal secretary Zet Luzipho said Eskom wanted to operate like a private company whose main objective was to make a profit.

"Eskom must operate according to developmental objectives of the country and not like a profit-thirsty monster it has become."

He said the proposed increase would result in hikes of 110%, which would cause high unemployment, poverty and inequality.

Most families in the country were responsible for supporting three to eight members, and most of these families lived below the bread-line on R10 a day, he said.

Luzipho said it could not be correct that people had to brace themselves for poverty every time Eskom wanted to expand.

More than 100 people picketed at the International Convention Centre where the hearing was held.

A group from the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance and members of Numsa sang struggle songs, demanding to be allowed in.

Protesters carried placards reading: "stop Eskom price increase", "poor to pay for Eskom bad planning", and "why is government silent?".

Pensioner Joseph Harker, from Wentworth, said he paid R800 a month for electricity and that the R40 annual increase to his pension would not cover the proposed hike.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.89
+0.3%
Rand - Pound
23.87
+0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.39
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.32
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.12
+0.2%
Platinum
908.05
0.0%
Palladium
1,014.94
0.0%
Gold
2,232.75
-0.0%
Silver
24.95
-0.1%
Brent Crude
87.00
+1.8%
Top 40
68,346
0.0%
All Share
74,536
0.0%
Resource 10
57,251
0.0%
Industrial 25
103,936
0.0%
Financial 15
16,502
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders