Ramokgopa says load reduction an impact of illegal connections

Minister of Electricity and Energy Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says the main reason
why load reduction is more prominent in areas around townships and informal
settlements, is directly attributed to the high number of illegal connections, which is
putting severe strain on the electricity grid. Ramokgopa was speaking at the South
African Human Rights Commissions’ (SAHRC) National Investigative Inquiry into the
impact of load reduction on human rights. The inquiry was set up following growing
concerns and complaints received from some quarters of society that whilst South
Africa is experiencing a reprieve from load shedding, load reduction is seemingly on
the rise. The National Investigative Inquiry heard submissions from various sectorson Tuesday. The bone of contention was to find out what impact load reduction is
having on society and what can be done to resolve the issue. According to
Ramokgopa, several factors are to blame. Phemelo speaks to Commissioner at the
South African Human Rights Commission, Sandra Makoasha.