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Cuts hitting only 50% - survey
18/03/2008 20:35 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Half of South Africans say Eskom power cuts have little effect on their lives, a survey has revealed.
A sample of 2 000 people was asked in February this year whether they agreed or disagreed with the statement: "Load shedding is having little effect on my life".
Fifty percent agreed.
The results of the poll, conducted by TNS Research Surveys, were released on Tuesday.
About 46% of those questioned said power cuts had affected them, while 4% said they did not know .
The survey found the load shedding badly affected black South Africans in the Gauteng province financially, especially those in the Vaal Triangle and on the West Rand.
Durban residents also felt the financial pinch of power cuts with Cape Town and Eastern Cape residents being the least affected.
More Gauteng residents found themselves caught in gridlocked traffic due to the power cuts, while Eastern Cape residents barely reported experiencing this.
Anger levels
Most South Africans tended to blame Eskom and the government for the country's power problems and most felt it would have a dire effect on the country's economy.
TNS Research Surveys identified a 30% negative response rate, where anger levels become serious.
"This anger will be directed at both Eskom and the government as people feel both carry some blame."
There were, however, mixed views on what impact the power crisis would have on the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Blacks were fairly optimistic and whites very pessimistic.
- SAPA
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