Ramaphosa Confident In Energy Reforms Amid Load Shedding Concerns

On Thursday night, South Africans tuned in to their TVs and radios as President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on various issues, including the electricity crisis . Many were eagerly awaiting his remarks on the widely discussed return of load shedding in households.

The measures we have implemented through the Energy Action Plan have reduced the severity and frequency of load shedding, with more than 300 days without load shedding since March 2024. While the return of load shedding for two days last week was a reminder that our energy supply is still constrained, we remain on a positive trajectory. We now need to put the risk of load shedding behind us once and for all by completing the reform of our energy system to ensure long-term energy security, says Ramaphosa.

Energy expert Professor Simpson Mamphweli concurs with the President. "The President was not misleading the country at all. When we look at the numbers in terms of the improvements that were made by Eskom. Eskom indicated that they have got about 2500 megawatts that have been delayed which might come back to life by the end of March. And if those megawatts are back to life, load shedding highly possible will be a thing of the past. So the President is spot on.

Nothing new

Another expert says the Presidents remarks during the State of the Nation Address were nothing new, just a repetition of what has been said over the years. They emphasise that for South Africa to overcome its electricity challenges, a more realistic and practical approach is needed.