The Commission will be hearing evidence from affected communities and City Power on 17 February 2024, as well as evidence from the South African Local Government Association, the National Department of Health, ESKOM and the Minister of Electricity on 18 February 2025.

As previously advised, the objectives of the national investigative inquiry are to, amongst others:

• Assess the legal, policy and practical justifications of ‘load reduction’ from a human rights lens;
• Assess the extent of ‘load reduction’ in South Africa;
• Assess the demographics of the communities that are disproportionately impacted by ‘load reduction’;
• Assess the impact of ‘load reduction’ on the affected communities;
• Assess the impact of ‘load reduction’ on human rights, particularly the rights to equality, human dignity, access to basic services, education, healthcare services and life;
• Assess the adequacy of the measures in place to mitigate the effects of ‘load reduction’;
• Make recommendations and/or directives in respect of any findings made, as may be required.

The continuation of the inquiry is scheduled as follows:

• Date: 17 & 18 February 2025
• Venue: The Capital on Empire, 177 Empire Place, Sandhurst, Sandton
• Time: 09:00am each day.

The inquiry will be open to the media. Members of the public who want to attend must RSVP by contacting Betty Mabusela at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by Sunday, 16 February 2025. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The inquiry will also be livestreamed on the Commission’s YouTube channel @https://www.youtube.com/@SAHRC1, and proceedings will be shared on all SAHRC platforms.

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For further information or inquiries, please contact Given Makhuvele at 072 197 7581 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or  Wisani Baloyi at 081 016 8308 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..