Minister of Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has addressed the concerns of the nation regarding the possibility of load shedding during the crucial Matric final exams. As the lights dim and 800,000 learners prepare to sit their final year exams, the reality is clear: excluding schools and exam centres from rolling blackouts is simply not feasible.
Load shedding, a manual process at Eskom, involves technicians physically cutting the power. This means that when the lights go out, entire towns and villages are plunged into darkness. There is no magic switch that can isolate a school without affecting the surrounding communities.
Minister Ramokgopa has acknowledged this reality and expressed the practical challenges associated with preventing load shedding at specific locations.
However, Eskom has formulated a plan to mitigate the impact of load shedding on matric exams. The plan entails extending the hours of stable power supply during the daytime and resuming load shedding after 4 pm. This arrangement is contingent upon the absence of further breakdowns in the generating units of Eskom’s aging coal-fired generators.
According to the company’s statement on Sunday, load shedding will be suspended from 5 am until 4 pm, and Stage 2 load shedding will resume from 4 pm until 5 am the following day. This pattern of suspending load shedding during the day and implementing Stage 2 load shedding during the evening peak will be repeated daily until further notice.
During his weekly update on the state of the grid, Minister Ramokgopa expressed disappointment in Eskom’s recent performance, noting a major shortage of power supply even during weekends when major industries were closed. In response, he announced plans to tour all power stations to assess the situation and address the shortcomings.
Ramokgopa also shared some positive news, stating that the government of China has donated generators, the first shipment of which has arrived. These generators will be deployed at various clinics, with the Department of Health being the major beneficiary of this initiative.
As the nation braces itself for the challenges of load shedding during Matric exams, Eskom’s plan to minimize disruptions is a welcome relief. However, it remains essential for all stakeholders to remain vigilant and adaptable to ensure the smooth running of the exams and preserve the integrity of this important educational milestone.
