Load-shedding could cost sugar industry over R700m

The sugar industry is in for a R723m loss due to load-shedding. File picture: EMIL VON MALTITZ.

“With milling giant Tongaat Hulett in business rescue, and the destructive health promotion levy already hampering the industry, these losses are potentially catastrophic for growers and the industry’s workers,” said SA Canegrowers chair Andrew Russell.An estimated 34% of SA’s sugar cane is produced in irrigated areas including Komatipoort and Malelane in Mpumalanga, and Pongola in KwaZulu-Natal.

“But the converse also applies — growers pay a significantly higher rate for pumping during peak demand times. As a result of load-shedding, growers have been forced to irrigate whenever electricity is available, regardless of demand.”“Growers need a minimum of six hours of continuous energy for proper irrigation. As a result of the intermittency of the power supply disrupting irrigation, irrigated growers will lose up to 40% water capacity.

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