Significant achievement has been recorded in South Africa’s power sector, marking its first 100 days of uninterrupted power supply since March, a dramatic change from the frequent load shedding that has plagued the country for over a decade. The regular power cuts, once a pervasive feature of South African life, have ceased, prompting many to ask what has led to this transformation.
Load shedding in South Africa began in 2007 due to Eskom’s inability to meet the electricity demand. This was primarily caused by inadequate maintenance, ageing infrastructure, and mismanagement. The power cuts became increasingly severe, impacting industries and daily life.
Since first being elected ANC president in 2017, Ramaphosa laid out his reformist credentials in initiatives to shrink South Africa’s bloated bureaucracy and boost electricity production amid broader efforts to clamp down on corruption in the electricity sector.
Statistics from South Africa’s General Household Survey (GHS) have tracked access to services such as electricity since 2002. According to the most recent survey, covering 2023, 89.8% of South African households are now connected to the grid, a significant increase from 76.7% in 2002. The Limpopo province boasts the highest proportion of connected households, with 97.1%, followed closely by the Western Cape at 94.3%.
Stats SA reports that 776,566 households were not connected to mains electricity in 2023. The majority of these households, 95.2%, were headed by black Africans, with 4% headed by coloured people, 0.1% by Indians or Asians, and 0.7% by white people.
What Changed?
The turnaround in South Africa’s electricity connectivity is the result of several initiatives implemented by Eskom and the government over past two years. This effort started in July 2022 when President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the Energy Action Plan, followed by a national state of disaster declaration over the electricity crisis in February 2023, during which the President also created the role of electricity minister, appointing Kgosientsho Ramokgopa to the position.
Eskom launched a two-year Generation Operational Recovery Plan, aimed at increasing the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) to 70% of the network’s potential. The plan was designed to boost power output and improve overall electricity supply.
The declaration of South Africa’s energy crisis as a national state of disaster expedited the procurement requirements in the energy sector, bypassing the notoriously slow policy procedures. This is similar to how disaster regulations were used during the COVID pandemic, Energy Analyst Ruse Moleshe notes. The designation also enable consultation with original manufacturers to identify the root causes of recurring breakdowns.
In 2023, the Treasury provided Eskom with a significant debt-relief package worth 254 billion rand ($14 billion; £10.9 billion), aimed at addressing its financial shortfall. This support allowed Eskom to reduce unplanned outages caused by frequent breakdowns, leading to the implementation of a planned maintenance programme. Which further led to an increase in energy capacity. On 23 July, Eskom’s energy capacity reached 35,000 MW, its highest level in six years.
Impact on South Africa
The continuous power supply has had a positive impact on the economy, enabling businesses and industries to operate without disruption. This has resulted in increased productivity and reduced costs.
The reliable electricity supply has also improved public sentiment. People have regained confidence in their daily lives, knowing they can rely on electricity for essential services.
The focus is now on maintaining and building upon these gains. Continued investment in energy infrastructure and innovation will help sustain the improvements.
The achievement of 100 days of uninterrupted power supply is a significant milestone for South Africa, reflecting the successful implementation of various strategies and improvements. While the country still faces challenges, the recent progress offers a promising outlook for the future of its power sector.
