The first two of 24 new solar and wind farms under construction were completed in February but there’s still a long way to go to boost electricity supply.
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When South Africa finally emerges from COVID-19 inadequate electricity supply will be once again rear its head.
African National Congress top six leaders. The governing party’s wishes are sometimes out of kilter with the dictates of statecraft.
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South Africa suffers capability deficiencies and institutional stasis due to poor political management.
By centrally controlling when household water heaters (geysers) can be switched on and off, South Africa can ease up electricity demand during peak consumption times.
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Centrally switching water heaters on and off at specific times can distribute the demand for electricity and lead to energy saving.
Most proposed solutions don’t address the systemic problems facing Eskom, in particular its parlous finances.
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The deluge of opinions and proposed solutions to South Africa’s energy crisis reflects corporate and political interests.
Untapped energy sources: hydro-power potential is concentrated along the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe.
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Zimbabwe’s energy policy needs to be reconsidered if the country’s electricity shortage is to be resolved.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech failed to inspire confidence.
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The year ahead promises to be a very difficult but also a very decisive year for South Africa. Is President Ramaphosa equal to the challenge?
Sasol is in an advantageous position. Will it make the right moves?
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There is a golden opportunity for South Africa to transition from being a key contributor to global warming to becoming a key contributor to global emissions reductions.
A main street of a poor neighbourhood in Cape Town during recent power cuts.
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It’s not clear whether South Africa’s president can coordinate his ministers in a way that provides clarity about dealing with the country’s energy crisis.
South Africa’s finance minister, Tito Mboweni, delivering his mid-term budget.
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A major concern is that the government’s resolve is strongest on policies that are actually quite suspect.
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Unpacking what South Africa’s new energy plan says about nuclear energy.
South Africa’s energy regulator failed to assure a stable pricing path for electricity and is partly to blame for energy provider Eskom’s troubles.
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South Africa’s independent regulators have failed. Instead of introducing new ones, alternatives need to be found.
Former South African President Jacob Zuma recanted his decision to walk out of the Zondo Commission.
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The dilemma for Zuma and his legal team is this: by putting him on the witness stand, there is a risk that he would be found wanting, especially in terms of the detail of any matter.
Eskom and Iscor were formed to feed the railway network’s need for cheap electricity and steel.
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Though formed by the state, Eskom and Iscor enjoyed very little state support in their infancy. To survive, they had to cooperate with the private sector companies they were meant to compete with.
South Afriocan President Cyril Ramaphosa delivering his third state of the nation address.
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Ramaphosa offered five simple yet bold goals for the next ten years that cut across the social and economic structural constraints that inhibit South Africa’s potential.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks after being elected president by members Parliament.
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Those in charge in South Africa following its recent election should focus on improving governance and weeding out corruption.
A barman using candle light as another rolling blackout affects large parts of South Africa’s biggest city, Johannesburg.
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South Africa isn’t having an honest debate about proposals to fix its power utility Eskom, and the role that renewables might play.
Over 90% of South Africa’s electricity comes from coal-fired power stations.
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South Africa needs to wean itself off coal in a way that protects jobs and the environment.
South Africa’s Finance Minister Tito Mboweni preparing to deliver the budget.
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South Africa’s latest budget was a necessary stop-gap after the ravages of the past decade. But it didn’t have ideas that addressed the needs of poor people.
Keeping South Africa’s lights on will come at a cost.
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Eskom, South Africa’s power utility will be unbundled and receive financial support from national treasury. These are the next steps.
South African Finance MInister Tito Mboweni delivering the 2019 budget speech in parliament.
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South Africa’s finance minister delivered a budget that tried to balance serving the public interest, while maintaining the stability of public finances.