Pretoria - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe has guaranteed that there will be no electricity blackouts during the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
South Africa suffered severe power outages in early 2008 that badly hit the mining industry, but Motlanthe was confident that the lights would stay on during Africa's first World Cup in June/July, a period that coincides with peak winter electricity demand.
Responding to oral question in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Motlanthe said Eskom had also assured government and Fifa that there would be no power interruptions.
Motlanthe was confident that steps already taken around the country would enable it to manage electrify demand during the event.
He told MPs that coal stocks had been replenished and the summer maintenance programme was running smoothly.
"All stadiums will run on diesel generators. The electricity grid will serve as backup... We are confident that these instruments, among others, will enable the country to manage electricity consumption demand during the peak winter period that coincides with the hosting of the 2010 World Cup."
