The EFF, which asked him this question in the National Assembly this afternoon, says it remains skeptical of the separation process.
Deputy President David Mabuza. Photo: @DDMabuza/Twitter
CAPE TOWN – Deputy President David Mabuza has reiterated that privatization of struggling power company Eskom is not an option.
Economic freedom fighters, who questioned him in the National Assembly on Thursday afternoon, said they remained skeptical of the demerger process.
But Mabuza said the division of the power industry into three separate entities does not mean an intention to privatize it.
Mabuza said privatization was not the solution to the problems facing Eskom.
He said the plant’s maintenance and performance had nothing to do with privatization or state ownership of the utility.
“In the major unanticipated breakdowns of our aging fleet and power plants, which contributes to load shedding, it goes without saying that we focus on improving maintenance and repairs to ensure increased energy availability.”
Mabuza said only the government can ensure that all South Africans have access to electricity.
“As we have said, there is no privatization planned, so let’s rule that out, we are dealing with the issues that Eskom is facing.”
Mabuza said Eskom was going to separate the generation and distribution business units by the end of this year.
