The objectives of the national investigative inquiry are to, amongst others:

• Assess the extent of load reduction in South Africa;
• Assess the demographics of the communities being 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 measures to mitigate the effects of load reduction;
• Assess the legal, policy and practical justifications of load reduction from a human rights lens;
• Make recommendations and/or directives in respect of any findings made, as may be required, including recommendations on reforms to load reduction policies.

As part of the inquiry, the Commission calls for submissions on the subject matter from affected communities and beneficiaries, as well as from other relevant stakeholders. The information submitted may include information on:

• The extent of the load reduction in South Africa;
• The demographics of the communities most affected by load reduction;
• The causes and justification for load reduction;
• The existence of less restrictive measures to safeguard the electricity grid and infrastructure;
• The impact of load reduction on the affected communities and their human rights;
• The impact of load reduction on other state organs;
• Proposed measures for addressing load reduction.

The submissions and information requested are required by 20 December 2024 and may be delivered by hand or e-mail at the following addresses:

SAHRC’s head office: Sentinel House, Sunnyside Office Park, 23 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown or E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

END

For further information or enquiries, please contact SAHRC Acting Head of Legal Services, Shirley Mlombo (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Busisiwe Dlamini (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)