Load-Shedding Unconstitutional: Pretoria, December 3, 2023 — In a groundbreaking verdict, the North Gauteng High Court has deemed load-shedding a breach of human rights, specifically emphasizing the need to shield hospitals, clinics, schools, and police stations from power interruptions. This significant ruling, echoing a similar decision in May, carries implications for Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan and the broader governmental approach to energy distribution.
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Background and Previous Ruling
In May, the North Gauteng High Court ruled that essential services such as hospitals, clinics, state schools, and police stations should be exempt from load-shedding. This initial decision set the stage for the recent ruling, asserting the justness and equity of protecting critical facilities from power cuts.
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Current Verdict and Judicial Mandate
In the recent ruling, Judge Norman Davis has issued a compelling directive to Minister Pravin Gordhan. The court has mandated that Gordhan takes prompt and comprehensive action within 60 days to ensure that essential services are insulated from the impact of load-shedding. The judgment strongly criticizes the state, asserting that it has failed in its constitutional and statutory duties to guarantee citizens’ rights to healthcare, security, and education.
Applicants and Legal Battle
The legal battle against load-shedding was initiated by a coalition of 19 applicants, including political parties such as the UDM, Action SA, the IFP, BOSA, and prominent unions like the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and the South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu). Their collective aim is to hold Eskom, President Cyril Ramaphosa, and other key figures accountable for the societal repercussions of load-shedding.
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Government’s Response and Urgent Appeal
In response to the judgment, Minister Gordhan has lodged an urgent appeal, expressing serious concerns about the potential implications on the ongoing efforts to stabilize the national grid and eliminate load shedding. According to Gordhan, the judgment could inadvertently undermine the delicate balance between protecting citizens’ rights and safeguarding the country’s grid infrastructure.
Judge’s Affirmation and Advocacy Response
Despite the appeal, Judge Norman Davis has reiterated the justness of the previous order in May, emphasizing the equitable protection of essential services from load-shedding. Advocacy groups, notably BOSA, have welcomed the ruling as a monumental victory for the populace enduring the daily challenges posed by persistent electricity cuts.
Economic Impact and Accountability
BOSA highlights the economic toll of rolling blackouts, asserting that these power cuts cost the South African economy billions. The party contends that the judiciary’s intervention is a crucial step in holding the government accountable for its management of the energy crisis.
Government’s Position and Further Steps
In response to the judgment, the Presidency and affected government departments have acknowledged its receipt, stating that they are currently studying the ruling. They have indicated that further steps will be announced in due course, suggesting a thoughtful and measured approach to address the implications of this significant legal development.
This landmark ruling not only reflects the growing dissatisfaction with the impact of load-shedding on daily life but also signals a potential shift in the legal landscape surrounding the government’s responsibility in ensuring a stable and uninterrupted power supply for essential services. As stakeholders await the government’s next move, the judgment stands as a testament to the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rights and well-being of the South African populace
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