Minister's intervention required to avoid further strikes at Medupi 

8 April 2015

I will write to the Minster of Public Enterprises, Ms Lynne Brown, urging her to take the lead on a speedy resolution to the threat of strike action at Medupi. This intervention is necessary to ensure that construction is allowed to continue as efficiently as possible and that the delivery of this power station is not bogged down in further delays.

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) went on strike on 25 March 2015 and may resume strike action this week. 

Eskom and its contractors have met repeatedly with the unions with no success. It is now time for the Minister to intervene and find solutions for both these union members and for the rest of the country who desperately need Medupi to be completed as timeously as possible.

Medupi is already more than five years late and R84.9 billion over budget.

Any further delays to the construction of Medupi translates to increased strain on the national electricity grid which our country can ill afford. South Africa's grid is in a constant state of strain with load-shedding being commonplace. A secure electricity supply is essential to economic growth and job creation in our country.

The Minster must make every effort possible to ensure there are no further delays to the construction of this vital power station. The DA has advocated for a World Cup approach to the fast-tracking of Medupi that seeks to limit labour disruptions and ensure the highest levels of compliance with safety standards.

Any delay must be addressed with the greatest of urgency.

Statement issued by Natasha Mazzone MP, DA Shadow Minister Public Enterprises, April 8 2015

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