Stage 6 was a shake-down
We must analyse the media report that Eskom must find a Billion Rand to cover the new salary increase achieved from the illegal strike. Logic suggests ESKOM leaders, workers and Unions likely plotted to ensure a “collective salary increase”. It seems they role-played difference and conned us.
Unions, Eskom leaders and workers reduced our nation to darkness for more money they did not get at negotiations with NERSA. Originally, they wanted a much larger electricity increase directly from the consumer but NERSA refused. Eskom and Union leaders then advanced from a different angle with Stage 6. They will now get the 7% increase from the taxpayer via the government coffers.
We must grasp Stage 6 for what it was, a shake-down from tricksters who lead Eskom and Unions.
Our nation is captive whilst fraudsters in fancy suits and Union overalls hold a nation ransom. Union and Eskom leaders do not intent fixing the electricity/energy crises that was foreseen in the time of Pres. Mbeki. Why should they care, when consumers are hostages and will pay what they demand?
Ironically, the Unions, Eskom and government who created the energy crises are the same people and get paid on time if we have energy or not. Did we forget that in 1982, Pres. Ramaphosa created the National Union of Mine Workers who began this illegal strike? He was its first Secretary General.
Let me explain, Pres. Zuma helped the Gupta’s to take whatever they wanted from Eskom. So what, if Pres. Ramaphosa allows his old friends at NUM to “get paid” via Eskom. Logic suggests that Eskom has too many unskilled and useless workers and managers who are overpaid by any standard.
Perhaps each province must control its own energy supply without national government intrusion.
Break up the Eskom and Union monopoly as they are actors and tricksters that abuse consumers.
When regional Eskom workers strike again (and they will) it will be regional and not national. When workers in one province are useless, the futility will be contained. Eskom as an essential service did not work as the workers had an illegal strike in any case and still everyone received a wage increase.
We cannot allow a few tricksters and actors in outfits, ruin the optimism and future of our nation.
Cllr Yagyah Adams
Cape Muslim Congress