Honourable Speaker,

Let the irony not be lost that this is a snap debate that now has been called on
a crisis that has been gradually unfolding itself for at least, the last 10
years! There is nothing “sudden” about this crisis. Perhaps it is just the
stark, or should I say “dark” realization now that throwing billions of rand’s
more of tax payer’s money will not in itself, solve the problem. Money cannot
rectify incompetence, ineptitude, poor management and lack of adequate or
evening reasonable planning!

Eskom is in Ashes and is seeking to destroy this country along with it. What an
indictment on this government! You have truly failed the people of South Africa!

The IFP calls for far greater resource allocation to alternative “green” energy
research and development and the opening up of platforms for private and
public/private energy partnerships in order to allow as much possible flow of
energy into our electricity grid.

Privatization must also not be summarily ruled out as the utility's proposed
tariff hikes are beyond the means of most South Africans!

Honourable Speaker, we are already operating in a challenging and some may even
say hostile global economic environment. Without the energy required to run our
industries and economy, we will surely find ourselves floundering! No amount of
ruling party rhetoric will switch on the lights!

Whilst Eskom is busy lamenting its fate, it saw fit to pay nearly R23 million
last year to the now ex-CEO Mr Brian Dames, including a R5 million “ending”
bonus – and this is while the rest of the country is wondering how we are going
to keep the lights on and our businesses running!

As we approach this festive season, instead of the usual pomp and cheer, our
citizens can now look forward to the voice of Eskom’s Spokesperson, Mr Andrew
Etzinger on our radios, advising us of the latest electricity crisis and load
shedding schedule. How many jobs will be lost this festive season due to
restaurants and retail outlets not being able to keep the lights on and the
tills running?

Make no mistake, Honourable Speaker, this is a crisis and we are now at ground
zero - It is time for an immediate intervention at Eskom. We need a no-holds
barred frank assessment of the state of the energy supply by all stakeholders in
our country and an immediately implementable turnaround strategy put into place,
a strategy with set, defined, agreed upon and realizable objectives which when
met, will lead us out of the energy catastrophe in which we now find ourselves.

In this entire crisis Eskom and the Government have been found wanting, and in
truth Eskom needs a total overhaul. Let us do that now.

It is never too late to start making good decisions!

I thank you