Speaker, Eskom is faced with the challenge of keeping the lights on for the economy to grow. Maintenance on an ageing plant is critical and requires very careful planning.
The 49M campaign has played an important role in making the public aware of the contribution they can make to saving electricity. The peak time between 17:00 and 21:00 is experiencing very tight reserves but due to the careful management of the situation, we have not had any load shedding. Where there had been blackouts, it has been due to cable theft.
There have been several delays in bringing Medupi and Kusile on line, which have contributed to the current challenges, but due to a well-managed schedule and careful monitoring of progress by a team of top officials from Eskom, the committee has been assured that December 2013 will be achieved for Medupi to come on line. Medupi and Kusile will be the largest dry- cooled power stations in the world, between them involving 362 contractors and subcontractors. A new city, Lephalale, is being built. People have jobs and skills are being transferred.
The ANC supports the hard work being done by thousands of people who are dedicated to keeping the lights on. Let's play our part and beat the peak together. [Applause.]