Power utility Eskom says generation and distribution of electricity across its network is constrained due to acts of sabotage and intimidation that characterise the current industrial action by members of trade unions.

According to the utility there have been several incidents of road blockades, attacks on staff, and wilful damage of electricity infrastructure.

Road deliveries stopped

“As a result, all road coal deliveries have been stopped for security reasons. The safety of all our employees is of paramount importance to us during this time,” the utility explains.

Eskom says coal deliveries by rail and conveyor belts still continue to operate, albeit at limited capacity.

“The power stations that are worst-affected by the industrial action are Hendrina, Camden, Kendal, and Arnot,”the utility adds.

Keeping the pressure on

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) embarked on industrial action this week following a wage dispute with Eskom after it offered failed to review its 0% wage increase offer.

NUM and National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) says thousands of their members will march to Megawatt Park later on Thursday to keep up the pressure in the wage negotiations.