Eskom's management does not see a crisis but a challenge. Its inability to recognise the anger and frustration of South Africans defies logic.
How can we be told that there are no crises, only challenges?
Eskom's announcement yesterday that we can expect more blackouts in the coming months only underlines the extent of the crisis .
Eskom CEO Tshediso Matona told journalists in Johannesburg that February and March were a particular cause of concern for the power utility.
He blamed budgetary constraints for the power cuts, saying: "We have had situations during this past week when the ordering of diesel was delayed due to budget constraints.
"Sometimes, in terms of logistics, things do not go smoothly between us, PetroSA and other suppliers."
He said power supply problems will ease once Kusile and Medupi power stations are online. This will probably take between 12 and 18 months.
The economy of this country will improve only once we acknowledge that these blackouts are damaging it. We will not solve the problem with euphemisms such as "challenges".
Eskom must admit that there is a problem, then implement a feasible solution.
Only a few weeks ago, ANC MPs denied that there was an electricity crisis. The blackouts increased. Apparently, load-shedding is just a figment of our imagination.
Clearly radical changes are needed if we are to secure our future.
The government is sleeping on the job.
Development is essential but, before we build new houses, schools and factories, there must be a reliable power supply.
Back in 2008, when the nation first experienced extensive load-shedding, we should have put plans in place and made sure everything was in working order.
Instead, the government focuses on other projects that have nothing to do with the future of this country.
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