Hon Speaker, the ANC notes with dismay the recent power outages in certain parts of Johannesburg that were allegedly linked to the unprotected strike by City Power workers. The ANC welcomes the investigation into the allegations of sabotage by disgruntled City Power workers. We are in agreement with the political leadership of Gauteng that no stone should be left unturned in ensuring that those responsible face the full wrath of the law.
Undoubtedly, these power disruptions have had adverse economic effects on businesses, endangered the lives of patients, such as those who are on life- support systems, and caused serious financial and social inconvenience to many households. The City of Johannesburg is Africa's economic heartbeat and therefore electricity disruptions such as the one experienced last week is harmful to our economy and may have negatively affected growth and investor confidence.
A strong message must be sent out that such blatant acts of criminality in the course of a labour dispute, which in any case undermines workers' struggles and bargaining processes, cannot be condoned anywhere in this country. No one should sabotage our economy, endanger innocent lives and cause costly inconvenience in citizens' ordinary lives and get away with it.
We are hopeful that, as law enforcement agencies proceed with the investigation into the allegations of sabotage, the internal probe into City Power's handling of the strike action will also be conducted. I thank you. [Applause.]