RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR
A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
On June 17,
2015, a meeting was held at the Austerville community hall in Wentworth to
discuss the current electricity crisis.The main
issue on the agenda was the current load shedding crisis and the increase of
electricity tariffs which is becoming unaffordable for most people.
Speakers, at
the meeting, emphasised the fact that coal supplied energy is central to the
crisis and that Government’s bid towards nuclear energy is even more harmful
and expensive, with an estimated budget of R1 trillion being set aside for its
implementation. The only viable alternative is renewable energy which in the long
run would prove to be more cost effective and less harmful.
However, one
of the greatest cause for concern is the affordability of renewable energy
supplies, especially for the most vulnerable people of society: the unemployed
and aged. It is for this reason that people need to stand in solidarity and
pressure the Government to invest in and subsidise alternative energy supplies.
Community
members, present at the meeting, raised concerns about high electricity tariffs
and about Government’s inability to act within their best interest. One of the
biggest issues being the inconvenience of load shedding which seems to
primarily target lower income areas.
It was
therefore agreed upon that necessary action needed to be taken to put pressure
on Government as ordinary citizens cannot continue bearing the brunt of
minority interests’.
A protest will be arranged for the 26th
of June, 2015, outside Eskom’s offices, 24 Menston Road in Westville in
contestation of Eskom’s proposal for a price hike on electricity tariffs.
It is
important to join in the fight against Eskom’s tyranny in the energy sector as
the seed we sew today determines the quality of life we reap tomorrow.
Contact: Noluthando Mbeje (SDCEA Communication and Project
Officer)
031 461 991/
Thando@sdceango.co.za
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