The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) is optimistic that there will be a fruitful resolution to the wage dispute at Eskom.

The union’s energy sector coordinator, Khangela Baloyi says that they were shocked to see members embarking on strike action.

The protest has affected nine of Eskom’s power stations.

Wage negotiations have deadlocked, and workers say that they must be justly remunerated.

But Eskom executives insist that they do not have the money.

Baloyi was speaking as Eskom has implemented Stage 4 load shedding for this weekend.

It has accused protesting staff of intimidating those opting to work and blockading roads leading to the plants – hindering the flow of personnel and commodities for power generation.

Stage 4 load shedding is expected to endure until Sunday.