By Thabo Monyela.
TZANEEN- In his opposing legal affidavit in the case being pursued by the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and 17 others with regard to the electricity crisis, President Cyril Ramaphosa has shockingly stated that he has no legal responsibility to supply electricity to the people of South Africa and further thrown the local municipalities under the bus.
Ramaphosa released an opposing affidavit as a responder, after the UDM and other concerned groups are seeking a judgement from the high court to declare that the ANC-led government’s response to the current plight of load-shedding as unconstitutional and breach of fundamental human rights.
In his court documents, the President said none of the government responders ( President and national government) are not required by law to end load-shedding , rather it is the responsibility of the local municipalities to provide electricity and not of the President and nor the national government.
However, the recently resigned CEO of Eskom Andre de Ruyter said in his answering affidavit, ” the government adopted a ‘keep the lights on policy’ which meant that Eskom was effectively prohibited from performing required maintenance, which resulted in the forced load-reduction”.
He further revealed that Hitachi energy company, which was involved in the construction of boilers at the Medupi and Kusile power stations, allegedly encouraged the ANC’s investment arm, Chancellor House, to use its political power to ensure that it obtained contracts costing millions from Eskom.
The case between UDM and 17 others against the President and the national government is set to be heard on 20 March 2023, before the North Gauteng High Court.
