Hundreds protest incessant power cuts in South Africa
Al JazeeraAPR 2023
The dire energy crisis is homegrown, but part of the problem is that South Africa has a growing demand for energy while leading the industrialized world in coal consumption. That's why the government is boldly embracing a plan to switch to renewable energy without sacrificing economic growth. If the transition succeeds — and South Africa receives billions in support — it could boost the economy and make the country a model for coal-dependent countries.
It is unlikely that declaring a state of disaster will change the country's dire energy crisis anytime soon. The measure will not turn an incompetent government into a competent one and will instead lead to less accountability but more corruption. The extreme measure is primarily an expression of desperation, as evidenced by the government's intention to appoint a Minister of Electricity to deal with the crisis. South Africa faces a bleak and shaky future.