US alert to its citizens in SA to stock up for loadshedding is ‘odd’, says SA Minister

South Africa says it finds it “odd” that the US government has warned its citizens in South Africa to ensure that they have necessary medicine and 72 hours’ worth of supplies at home by stocking non-perishable food, three litres of water per person per day and first aid supplies.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, has described the “prepper” warning as “odd”. The guidelines were issued by the US Embassy following South Africa’s own declaration of a State of Disaster in response to devastating and ongoing power shortages. The load-shedding can result in up to six hours or more of blackouts throughout the day.

Rather than addressing the situation, Dr Pandor deflected and pointed fingers, saying:

“I found it rather surprising and odd. I don’t recall such alerts being issued when California had similar blackouts and outages to South Africa.

“I find it a rather odd warning. But there has been rather many of these warnings and none of which is warned about has come to fruition.”

Pandor was speaking on the sidelines of the Uganda State Visit at the Union Buildings in Tshwane.

In an alert to its citizens in South Africa, similar to that issued by Australia, the US government warned its citizens that “power outages have the potential to increase crime; for example, traffic jams when lights are out provide opportunities for smash and grab crime, and residences can be targeted when lights are out and security systems are not functioning. Further, ongoing conditions have led to an increase in protests and demonstrations, and in some cases civil unrest, throughout the country.” (Read more here.)

The US Emergency Preparedness Tips for loadshedding in South Africa are:

• Have a communications plan for when there is no or limited power (land line locations, external cell phone battery, additional charging cords, hard copy of important numbers, etc.)
• Ensure you have necessary medicine, personal hygiene supplies, eyeglasses
• Memorize family members’ phone numbers
• Identify safe areas around the city, these could include hotels, hospitals, churches, or police stations that may not lose power
• Maintain 72-hours’ worth of supplies at home by stockpiling non-perishable food, 3 liters of drinking water per person per day, and medicines and first aid supplies
• Store flashlights, batteries, radio, and basic tools in a safe location where all family members have easy access