Open competition will sort out the provison of power. Eksdom use open cycle diesel turbines becasue they were too stubborn and dumb to buy private power and obstructed the licencing of private plants evry way they knew how. Very sadly, even if you are a rural person – if you want power – you must pay. It’s harsh but the only way. Please explain why I must pay tax to fund support grants and Eksdom, then pay a premium on electrcity to fund rural power on top of all this.

@ Justice The demand for R5000 pm housing subsidy was a union demand for all Eskom workers during negotiations this year. It was a ludicrous demand and therefore not granted.

It appears that most people believe that the problems will go away if Eskom is privatised. Eskom’s priority has always been to keep the lights burning, even if that is accomplisehed using the expensive liquid fuel run OCGT turbines. I doubt whether a private company would have the same agenda. Remember also that a private company does not need to get government approval when it intends increasing the price of its product. We will be forced to pay whatever is asked. The current cost of electricity is unrealistic because it does not adequetly cater for replacemnet and refurbishment of plant. The other problem with selling off the power stations is obviouslly the question of who then runs Eskom Transmission and Eskom Distribution. A Multi utility grid is not impossible but would take some time to set up both technologically and legaslatively.

The other thing to consider when thinking of “privatising” Eskom is who will then be responsible for rural electrification programs which needs to be done but is not a big “money spinner”.

An overhaul of the electricity industry should be debated but is unachievable in the medium term. We should rather focus on stabilising the situation first before changing the dynamics of a volatile environment.

In a free economy, there is more than one vendor selling something one needs. If one vendor (Vendor A) manages their institution badly, money goes missing etc., and can offer the service for 11 rupees, but there is another vendor (Vendor B) that manages their institution better, and can sell a commodity for 9 rupees, then we have a choice and we can buy from the 9 rupee vendor. It creates competition and Vendor A will sure as hell get their act together before they go out of business. Our sad story is that we ONLY have Vendor A – and its being forced on us. Hence the complaints.

We want freedom to choose our power vendor – we don’t want to pay for criminal behaviour that is costing the country dearly.

Is it not unreasonable to expect us, un-talented and therefore lowly paid members of the public, to abandon our own little activities so as to go and help them do their job? And for free as well?

Can I expect any of Eskom’s top management to come and help me with my problems? Free of charge?

I worry about the least mentioned of ALL. A government that for Political expendiency gave away electricity and used the days gone by profits for the fiscus to fund child grants and the like.

None of which has solved any problems. In fact caused more problems than dreamt by those hungry for the political gains to satisfy promises yet to be kept and so likely to fail.

He has failed to make an impact once, and was booted by Zuma for his efforts. He might also want to learn to spell.(His memo would make a Grade 1 teacher blush)

Maroga failed to implement 41 actions requested by the board, the execo similarly failed to implement these 41 actions plus many more, senior management similarly failed these instructions plus many more.

Juniors think it is Xmas everyday – Eskom’s catering bill is over R100million per year!

The bottom line – Eskom has become unmanageable – the passengers ( whom there are 50% too many) are telling the driver where to go so that they scoop the most gravy.

Godsell would do better to launch a new private initiative in competition with Eskom- Eskom will not last 5 years because even the main shareholder- Govt- is reluctant to put in more money than the ANC has sucked out through Chancellor House.

Let the white imbeciles who want power subsidize us – we are happy with candles and a good fire to warm our feet.

Viva la Africa