The Democratic Alliance welcomes reports of the intervention by Minister Malusi Gigaba at the Medupi Power plant in an effort to put an end to the industrial action that has stifled the construction of the project since September last year.

While we encourage mediation by the Minister, a permanent solution is required in order to ensure that similar disruptions do not occur again.

I will therefore be writing to Minister Gigaba to request that he appoint a permanent mediation team from the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation & Arbitration (CCMA) to ensure that negotiations are carried out and a peaceful agreement is reached.

It is critical that the country's electricity supply be secured, especially in light of revelations earlier today that energy supply from the Koeberg nuclear plant is taking strain.

We simply cannot afford further delays to the Medupi plant and it is up to Minister Gigaba to guarantee that if and when he steps away from the negotiation table due to his busy schedule and other commitments, the parties involved will remain committed to the process.

South Africa cannot afford to lose further foreign and local investment as a result of uncertainty over our energy supply.

A meltdown at Medupi could have dire consequences for the economy, and put thousands of jobs at risk.

Natasha Michael, Shadow Minister of Public Enterprises