Minister Lynne Brown condemns DA MPs for actions at Megawatt Park
20 Jan 2016
The Minister of Public Enterprises, Lynne Brown, has criticized the unacceptable and irresponsible behaviour of Democratic Alliance’s MPs, Natasha Mazzone and Kevin Mileham, at Eskom’s Head Office, Megawatt Park, today.
The two MPs and about 30 DA supporters gained unlawful entry to the reception by using the entry card of a DA sympathizer. They demanded to be addressed by Eskom’s Chief Executive Officer, Brian Molefe. He diffused the situation by receiving the memorandum from them.
“MPs should be conversant with the laws governing protests. Acting in a legal and responsible manner would have required them to request permission from the relevant
authorities and notify Eskom before embarking on this reckless action.
“One expects more from elected representatives of South Africa. I appeal to the DA leader, Mmusi Maimane, who last year delivered a memorandum at my office, to educate Mazzone and Mileham on courtesy, protocol and the laws governing protests.
“Eskom’s Chief Executive Officer has worked hard to build the morale at Eskom. Mr Molefe has increased maintenance and has done an excellent job to stabilise the grid.
“I am appalled that the members of the DA could place the country’s supply of electricity at risk. This is cheap politicking and it should be condemned.
“Their actions are unacceptable as the party is trying to divide Eskom’s workers along petty party political lines.
“While the DA plays cheap politics, I want to commend Eskom workers for the strategic role they are playing in supplying electricity to the citizens and businesses of South
Africa.
“I have requested Eskom’s Chief Executive Officer to investigate this incident and ensure that measures are put in place to avoid a repeat of this kind of incident. We cannot have a situation where people just arrive at Eskom and demand to be seen by the Chief Executive Officer,” said Minister Brown.
Statement issued by Colin Cruywagen, Department of Public Enterprises, 20 January 2016
