Enraged Eskom employee Harold would like to respond to business@iafrica.com reader, 'Mary's' comments.

Mary wrote...
Eskom employees are spoiled brats!

Although I have no connection to Eskom I have come across many Eskom employees and I have to say their attitudes are just pathetic. They have a spending mind-set like no other company I have known. They spend on food, 'private' cell phone costs and even sunscreen lotion just out of pure greed. I know of a female Eskom employee who is office bound yet still insisted that she get 'protective' gear which is meant only for the men working out in the field. Year-end parties were spent lavishly on food and drinks. This is a company that's in a financial crisis for the past decade! I think the CEO needs to reprioritize and start sweeping at the front door and install a culture of saving within the group first of all. No more big parties or sushi at staff meetings, etc. Costs need to be cut within the group first and I reckon millions can be saved! Don't give them those increases Nersa, they are spoiled brats!!

Harold responds to 'Mary'.

Private cell phones? Only to operational staff.

Sunscreen? For those exposed to UV rays is compulsory to prevent sun cancer something which a number of us already have.

P.P.E. ( protective clothing ) a legal requirement when visiting any substation or construction site, even if your 'normal' job is in the office, you are sometimes required to visit stations or sites during planning and or auditing as well as other reasons.

Year-end parties? These were cut beyond the bone. The closest thing to drinks was a can of cold drink each.

I do not deny there are places where costs can be saved, but enough to even pay for one set of breakers (switches), I very much doubt it. Senior bonuses, perhaps I would like just one.

What you need to remember is that we, as normal staff do not earn a fortune, many of us may even earn less than you but what you pay is what we pay, not a cent less. Spoiled? Think again. When you are comfortable at home in bed, there are people out there in the dark, rain, hail, snow or even heat waves. There are people out there working their guts out so that when you press that switch, on come your demanded comforts.

Instead of calling these people 'spoiled', why not say thank you and maybe even spare a prayer for them, their families ? who often don't see them for weeks at a time ? that they work and come home safely. Some of these 'spoiled brats' have lost their lives bringing you a supply. I speak from experience. I have done my share out there for more than 30 years ? some for even longer ? and proud of it. I hope this is an eye opener for many out there who have never realised what it sometimes takes to give you a service. Thank you for taking the time to read this. God Bless.

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