Power-cut stories flood website
2008-01-31 09:44
Cape Town - Weddings in the dark, disgusted tourists and business owners leaving the country are some of the effects Eskom's power cuts are having, according to postings on a website dedicated to the problem.
In the first 48 hours of operation since being set up by trade union Solidarity, www.eskomstories.co.za has received 2 000 letters about people's experiences of, and losses resulting from, power cuts.
Solidarity spokesperson Jaco Kleynhans said on Tuesday: "We have received a wide range of stories, all of which emphasise our point that power cuts not only affect big business, but that they play havoc with the lives of all South Africans who depend on electricity for a livelihood."
Tuesday's top story was from a C Gordon.
"My sister got married last weekend to a Swedish man whom she met in London a few years ago. The first hour of their wedding reception was in the dark, as the (highly reputable) venue did not have back-up generators.
"A large number of guests were not from South Africa, and were extremely anxious and shocked at the lack of a simple thing like electricity.
"Then, last night, Monday, January 21 2008, about 15 of the groom's family went up Table Mountain to enjoy the spectacular view and sunset. They were stuck on the mountain until 00:45.
Moving his business overseas
"That terrifying experience has turned them off South Africa for good. I can only imagine how unpleasant and daunting it must be to be stuck on top of a mountain in a foreign country for so many hours... It is such a pity!!"
Entrepreneur Art Goosen recounts how he is relocating to Amsterdam after being forced to run his R1.5m a month business on a generator for the past two months.
"When I leave, 17 people with their families will be without an income, never mind the other industries that I purchase from.
"Somehow, I cannot fathom out why these people in government and their parastatals cannot get their priorities in order."
He exported to the European Union and his London branch, but with his shipments being late he was subjected to severe penalties.
"Why should I struggle with all this? Crime is sky high, there is no power and no one cares."
Bronwynne Meyer said that Eskom's efforts to bring back old or retired engineers to help it out of its "inadequacy" was "disgusting".
- SAPA