ANC hard at work despite power failure and strike threat, 27 July 2009

Undaunted by power failure which today (27 July 2009) plunged most floors of Chief Albert Luthuli House - African National Congress headquarters – into darkness, and a threat of Johannesburg being brought to a standstill by striking municipal workers, the work of the ANC has not come to a stop.

Today the ANC immediately implemented contingency plans that saw the national leadership, several provincial leaders and members of the sub-committee on Social Transformation being able to carry on with their meetings at alternative venues. Key staff members, who include the Communications Department under the Secretary General’s Office, are also in full operation, using laptops and cellphones.

We note that the power failure - said to have been caused by fire which caused damage at a substation - has also affected some businesses and caused malfunctioning of traffic lights in the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD). We have been informed that this is getting an urgent attention.

We firmly believe that the municipal strike, which has resulted in the thrashing of streets by striking workers, can only be resolved through negotiations. No form of disorder or violence can resolve any wage dispute other than through negotiating forums like bargaining chambers.

Issued by:

Jessie Duarte

ANC National Spokesperson

Enquiries:

Brian Sokutu 071 671 6899

Ishmael Mnisi 082 333 5550