essay on load shedding in south africa

Effects of Load Shedding in South Africa Essay Guide

Effects of Load Shedding in South Africa Essay Guide: Load shedding, a term all too familiar to South Africans, refers to the deliberate interruption of electricity supply to various areas as a last resort to prevent the collapse of the power system. This practice has become increasingly prevalent in South Africa due to the inability of the national power utility, Eskom, to meet the country’s electricity demands. In this essay guide, we will delve into the various effects load shedding has on South Africa, ranging from economic consequences to social implications and potential solutions.

Table of Contents

Effects of Load Shedding in South Africa

Economic consequences.

Load shedding has a profound impact on the South African economy. The consequences include:

a) Loss of Productivity: Businesses experience significant losses in productivity due to load shedding . The intermittent power supply hinders the ability to operate efficiently and fulfill orders in a timely manner.

b) Decreased Foreign Investment: The unreliable power supply deters foreign investors, which negatively impacts the nation’s economic growth and job creation.

c) Increased Cost of Goods and Services: With businesses having to rely on costly alternative power sources, such as generators, the cost of production increases. This leads to an increase in the prices of goods and services.

Social Implications

The effects of load shedding extend beyond the economic sphere, impacting the daily lives of South Africans:

a) Disrupted Education: Load shedding affects educational institutions, interrupting classes and hampering students’ learning experiences.

b) Health and Safety Concerns: Hospitals and other healthcare facilities face challenges in maintaining proper care for patients, while crime rates can also increase due to inadequate lighting and security systems in the dark.

c) Inconvenience and Stress: Load shedding disrupts daily routines, causing frustration and stress among citizens as they struggle to cope with the unpredictability of power outages.

Environmental Impact

Load shedding contributes to environmental concerns, as individuals and businesses turn to alternative power sources:

a) Increased Carbon Emissions: The use of diesel generators as a backup power source results in higher carbon emissions, which exacerbates climate change and air pollution.

b) Depletion of Natural Resources: The reliance on non-renewable energy sources, such as diesel and coal, for backup power depletes the country’s natural resources and further damages the environment.

Potential Solutions

Addressing the issue of load shedding in South Africa requires both short-term and long-term strategies:

a) Expanding and Diversifying Energy Sources: Investing in alternative, renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can help reduce the country’s reliance on an overburdened power grid.

b) Improving Infrastructure: Upgrading and maintaining the existing power infrastructure will increase its efficiency and capacity, reducing the need for load shedding.

c) Encouraging Energy Efficiency: Promoting energy conservation practices and implementing energy-efficient technologies can help reduce overall energy consumption.

d) Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with the private sector to develop and maintain power infrastructure can help address some of the challenges facing the public utility.

How to choose topics related to the Effects of Load Shedding in South Africa

When choosing a topic for your load-shedding essay, consider the following:

• Your area of interest: What aspect of load shedding in South Africa interests you the most?
• Relevance: Is the topic you are choosing relevant to the current situation in South Africa?
• Availability of information: Is there enough information available on your chosen topic to write a well-researched essay?
• Uniqueness: Is your topic unique and original?

List of Topics:

• The economic impact of load shedding in South Africa
• Load shedding and the environment: the effects of carbon emissions
• Load shedding and education: how it affects students’ learning
• Load shedding and crime: the correlation between power outages and crime rates
• The effects of load shedding on the mining industry in South Africa
• Load shedding and healthcare: how it affects the healthcare system in South Africa
• The psychological effects of load shedding on South Africans
• The impact of load shedding on small businesses in South Africa
• The role of renewable energy in reducing load shedding in South Africa
• Load shedding and water scarcity: the impact on water supply in South Africa
• The effects of load shedding on South Africa’s tourism industry
• The impact of load shedding on South Africa’s industrial sector
• The role of government in managing load shedding in South Africa
• The impact of load shedding on South Africa’s international relations
• The effects of load shedding on the telecommunications industry in South Africa
• Load shedding and gender-based violence: the link between power outages and violence against women
• The impact of load shedding on South Africa’s agricultural sector
• Load shedding and food security: the effects of power outages on food production and distribution
• The effects of load shedding on South Africa’s transportation industry
• Load shedding and the digital divide: the impact on access to the internet and technology
• The impact of load shedding on South Africa’s informal sector
• Load shedding and household energy consumption: the effects on electricity bills
• The impact of load shedding on South Africa’s entertainment industry
• Load shedding and the manufacturing industry: the impact on production and supply chain
• The effects of load shedding on South Africa’s real estate industry
• Load shedding and the retail sector: the impact on consumer spending
• The impact of load shedding on South Africa’s stock market
• Load shedding and air pollution: the effects on air quality in South Africa
• The impact of load shedding on South Africa’s renewable energy goals
• Load shedding and the gig economy: the impact on freelance workers in South Africa.

Video: Impact of load shedding on businesses

These topics are not exhaustive, and you can develop them further based on your interest and research. Remember to choose a topic that is relevant, unique, and has enough information to support your argument.

Load shedding in South Africa has far-reaching consequences that touch everyaspect of society. From economic challenges to social implications and environmental concerns, the effects of this crisis are pervasive and complex. Addressing load shedding requires a multifaceted approach that includes investing in alternative energy sources, improving existing infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency, and fostering public-private partnerships. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges head-on, South Africa can work towards a more stable and sustainable energy future for its citizens. In doing so, the nation will be better equipped to support economic growth, improve quality of life, and contribute to global efforts in mitigating climate change.

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Load Shedding: What Is It and Why Is It Affecting South Africa?

Freelance Writer - instagram.com/andrewthompsonsa

The term ‘load shedding’ is right up there with South African slang like ‘bakkie’, ‘braai’ and ‘robot’ when it comes to eliciting strange looks from travellers. But what is it and why is it affecting South Africa? Unfortunately, unlike trucks (bakkies), barbecues (braais) and traffic lights (robots), load shedding is more likely to negatively affect your trip to South Africa. That’s because the term is little more than a euphemism for the country’s ongoing grapples with erratically-scheduled and unpredictable, nationwide rolling electricity blackouts.

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Blackouts started in 2007

The term ‘load shedding’ first started dominating the South African lexicon in 2007, when the country’s national electricity utility, Eskom, announced that it was unable to supply power to the entire country at the same time.

As a result, they announced they would need to implement a blackout schedule – that they dubbed ‘load shedding’ – in order to prevent the entire power grid from collapsing.

The hastily-organised plan to reduce the load on the country’s power grid was met with confusion, disorganisation, disdain, and an unusual sense of unity as the population rallied against a shared hatred.

At the time, experts warned that the country’s economy could suffer significantly due to the rolling blackouts, and Eskom announced that the blackouts would remain for at least the next “five to seven years”.

Poor management, incompetence, or corruption?

Many blamed poor management and incompetence within the organisation, although recent revelations suggest that it was primarily due to corruption and a massive ‘get-rich scheme’.

Still, the country rallied – citizens who could afford them bought generators and gas stoves, most learnt to go back to the days of reading by candlelight or making polite conversation in front of blank televisions, and most heeded the government’s urgent calls – often during prime time news bulletins – to reduce power usage.

South Africa eventually emerged from the often two-hour, twice-daily blackouts, and managed to stage a successful football World Cup in spite of the electrical supply doomsayers. And for a few years, many thought the dark days of rolling power cuts were a thing of the past.

But just as load shedding was starting to fade from dinnertime conversations, it was catapulted back into national headlines. In 2012, Eskom announced that the likelihood of fresh power cuts was “ very high “, and would likely remain as such until at least 2017.

Power cuts here to stay

Fast-forward to 2019, well outside all of the initial predictions, and the country once again sits in a dire situation when it comes to nationwide electrical supply.

Much like those affected by Cape Town’s water crisis , many residents are now in a position to be at least somewhat self-sustainable for the periodic electricity-free life that hits the country several times a week.

Many commercial operations have installed automatic generators that kick in at the first indication of a power cut, and smaller home businesses rely on battery power and universal power supplies to keep their electronics running without relying on the grid.

The impact of load shedding is more than just a minor inconvenience, though. Experts warn that the blackouts will cost the country millions, and that there is now no real indication as to when the problem will be resolved.

What this means for you

Although residents are now well-versed on how to handle the blackouts, many visitors to South Africa are left confused by the concept and how it will affect them.

Unlike the early days of load shedding, most cities now have plans in place to alert residents of imminent power cuts and load shedding schedules – although these are often confusing and not adhered to.

Load shedding typically occurs in two-hour blocks, and at its worst this will likely be twice daily. If you’re staying in a hotel, staff there should be aware of the schedule and be able to inform you accordingly.

Alternatively, you can also check the latest status on the Eskom website , or your local city’s social media pages.

Fortunately, as a visitor to South Africa, it’s unlikely your day-to-day activities will be significantly impacted, and load shedding is no reason to cancel a holiday to the country.

Most businesses in the tourism industry, from restaurants and hotels to shopping malls and wine estates, have measures in place to counteract the impact of the power cuts, to the point that you may not even notice the disruption.

The same goes for hospitals and other essential services – all have contingency plans in place and many national key points are excluded from the cuts altogether.

The one factor that visitors, residents and business can’t ignore, however, is traffic. If you need catch a flight in the upcoming days, it may be prudent to check the load shedding schedules to ensure you avoid the inevitable traffic the blackouts will cause.

Still, certain power-hungry businesses like malls and restaurants might need to cease operation for a few hours while you’re in the country, in which case you will have little option but to unplug for a few hours and head outdoors. But, as a visitor to South Africa, that is not a particularly bad prospect in itself.

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What is the impact of load shedding in South Africa?

Rebecca Egan

Senior Intelligence Analyst

Load shedding in South Africa: What is the electricity crisis?

South Africa is experiencing high stages of load shedding affecting businesses and society. In an attempt to prevent the collapse of the electrical grid, Eskom (national public electricity utility) has implemented rolling blackouts. The load shedding schedule is divided into 8 different stages, with each stage increasing the number of hours per day that the electrical supply will be turned off. Earlier in 2023, load shedding reached stage 6, with power outages of at least 6 hours a day.

Rolling blackouts are expected to last for the remainder of the year. President Ramaphosa described rolling power cuts as an existential threat to the economy and social fabric of the country.

The electricity crisis has heavily impacted business and the economy and is feeding existing political and societal ruptures. 

The image shows the impact of the outages resulting in increased criminality and political demonstrations [image source: Intelligence Fusion].

What is the economic impact of load shedding?

The ongoing energy crisis is hindering the economic growth of the country. The second quarter of 2022 showed that the country’s GDP decreased by 0.7%. South Africa’s chance of a recession in 2023 is 45%, with the economy unlikely to grow by 0.3% each quarter. Economists predict that the GDP of 2023 will decrease to 1.2% from 2.3% in 2022.

Load shedding has affected South Africa’s economic recovery as the power cuts cost the country between 204 million rand (USD 11,281,997.64) and 899 million rand (USD 49,773,519) per day.

What are the wider infrastructure challenges?

South Africa is facing wider infrastructure issues. There have been ongoing rail disruptions caused by the lack of spare parts for trains and security to run them.

A 2022 report on infrastructure in South Africa assessed that 15 of the 32 infrastructure segments are satisfactory. The overall rating of the infrastructure was a D, meaning that it is poorly maintained and not coping with the normal demand. The SAICE claims this infrastructure is potentially a severe inconvenience and/or danger to the public if no action is taken. 

How is load shedding impacting small businesses?

Small businesses have had to adjust operating hours to accommodate the load shedding schedule. Loss of planning, low staff morale, theft increases, loss of internet connectivity, payment processing disruption and broken equipment are other ways small businesses have been affected. The increased cost of doing business has led to companies letting go of staff, whilst others have been pushed to the brink of closure. A Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa) and Ministry of Small Business Development survey found that 71% of businesses have been negatively affected by load shedding.

The image shows some of the disruptions that have occurred due to the planned blackouts [image source: Intelligence Fusion].

Affected Sectors

What's the government’s response to the crisis.

In response to the crisis, a state of disaster was declared, and a minister of electricity was appointed within the presidency. With the implementation of the state of disaster, the government intends to respond to the crisis with fewer bureaucratic delays. 

The National Executive Committee strategic planning meeting stated that in order to rebuild, save and protect Eskom, it would require a reallocation of the national budget. The national budget is already strained by a growing welfare state at a time when the emigration of skilled and high-income earners poses a threat to the tax system, according to Standard Bank Group.

Whilst the state of disaster has been implemented, prior experiences of this have not been positive. The state of disaster could lead to an increase in maladministration, corruption and unauthorised expenditures. Some also believe that adding the position of minister of electricity will add to bureaucracy.

Pravin Gordhan stated that Eskom is heavily impacted by corruption within the company. Gwede Mantashe, an influential figure with the ANC, stated that there are multiple actions that need to be taken in order to end load shedding within the next 6-12 months: power should be imported from neighbouring countries, employ more skilled employees and an urgency to repair its coal-fired plants. 

As part of the state of disaster, the government will also offer more support to farmers, food processors and distribution and logistics companies while also exempting critical infrastructure from load shedding. In order to combat problems within the energy sector, Ramaphosa has organised the National Energy Crisis Committe e. The purpose of the NECOM is to ensure that the Energy Action Plan, announced by Ramaphosa on the 25th July 2022, is implemented quickly and that the government’s response is coordinated effectively.

The Energy Action Plan has a number of measures that are designed to assist in the betterment of the sector. These include private sector investment in the generation of energy, and there is an emphasis on renewable energy. 

ANC (African National Congress)

The latest polls show that electoral support for the ANC has dropped to new lows. Divisions are also forming within the party. Members of the party loyal to the ex-president Jacob Zuma are leaving the party to form a far-left movement known as the Radical Economic Transformation Movement (RETMO), formed by Carl Neihaus. RETMO is seeking to topple Ramaphosa in the 2024 elections. If influential members of the ANC, like Ace Magashule, join RETMO, this could take away from their voter base. 

EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters)

In response to the crisis and the decisions of the ANC, the EFF held a national shutdown on the 20th March. The EFF is calling for the resignation of President Ramaphosa and for a reliable electricity supply. The EFF held protests in major cities, such as; Durban, Cape town, Bloemfontein, Pretoria and Johannesburg.

The national shutdown has been described as only the beginning, and they are calling for intensified efforts to get President Ramaphosa to resign. 

The image shows demonstrations that may impact businesses, assets and people [image source: Intelligence Fusion].

DA (Democratic Alliance)

On 25th January, the DA declared a National Day of Action against the ANC’s load shedding and their unaffordable electricity price increases. The DA has stated that it will challenge the declaration of a state of disaster in court, claiming that the ANC has issued “nonsensical regulations and abused procurement processes during the pandemic”. The DA has released a list of solutions to address the electricity crisis.

What is the social impact of load shedding?

Civil unrest.

Planned and unplanned protests have taken place in response to the ongoing electricity crisis, affecting other service delivery.

The protests varied in size depending on the area where they were held. In major metropolitan areas, protests with a larger turnout were seen. In most cases, these protests were peaceful, with minor disruptions affecting traffic and service delivery, with rare cases of violence and looting reported. Public service workers held strikes calling for a wage increase, and unions such as; SAPU and NEHAWU have joined the strikes. 

There was a marked increase in protests in March 2023:

The image shows an increase in protests and demonstrations in March 2023 [image source: Intelligence Fusion].

There is a likelihood that these blackouts will worsen inequality within the country, with many higher-income areas reportedly not receiving the same harsh rolling blackouts as other lower-income areas. Higher-income households are also more resilient to the effects of power outages. Load shedding is also leading to unemployment, or wage freezes as companies cut costs to stay afloat and to deal with the inevitable drop in productivity.

Power cuts are also affecting people’s ability to study or look for employment. For one gigabyte of data, people are paying 85 rand, which is the equivalent of four hours of work for people earning minimum wage.

Racial Tension

Due to the increased number of protests being reported around the country, it is likely to lead to an increase in racial tensions or xenophobic attacks, particularly if there is a breakdown in law and order, as was the case in 2021 in areas including Durban where law enforcement’s inability to cope with looting led to communities resorting to vigilantism. Tensions may be higher since the planned national shutdown that occurred on the 20th March by the EFF or if there is a total grid collapse. 

Load shedding is impacting households in a variety of different ways. Food inflation reached a 14-year high, partly due to the Ukraine war and COVID-19, and prices could spike if sustained load shedding continues . Household electricity appliances and devices are affected in a variety of ways, with some posing a fire risk. An increase in fires at formal structures in Johannesburg has been associated with increased power outages. Informal settlements are also at risk.

There is a known link between power outages and increased crime, causing concern to businesses and households.

Increased crime has been observed in higher-income areas, however, the number of crimes in lower-income areas is also increasing. Businesses or households without back-up power systems are particularly exposed as their alarm and/or CCTV systems are not functional at all times. Additionally, security companies have stated that criminals may be taking advantage of security systems being damaged by the continual power outages. 

Increased crime can be offset through increased visible policing, and businesses or households could employ private security. However, police are largely dependent on street lighting, an effective crime prevention measure. What’s more, electrical infrastructure has been targeted by cable thieves during load shedding. In December 2022, the theft of electrical cables led to a loss of supply to customers in the town of Darnall in KwaZulu-Natal. 

The image shows increased burglary and theft in the area due to load shedding [image source: Intelligence Fusion].

The decline of policing in South Africa has been well documented. Research by Lizette Lancaster of the Institute for Security Studies found that the police’s ability to solve murders declined by 38% in the past decade since 2011/2012.

The Head of Justice and Violence Prevention at the Institute for Security Studies, Gareth Newham, has stated that over the past five years, there has been a decline in the police’s ability to solve armed robberies and tackle organised crime. An increase in attacks on police stations during rolling blackouts is another concern, as it leaves people and businesses vulnerable to crime. 

In conclusion, South Africa is being negatively affected by the load shedding as it is impacting various economic, public and private sectors throughout the country. With the ongoing energy crisis, we are likely to see a continuation of the civil unrest through protests and increased political and racial tensions across the country.

At Intelligence Fusion, we help transform the risk management practices of organisations by providing them with unrivalled situational awareness via our threat intelligence platform. We track and accurately geolocate, among other things, crime, unrest and hazards across the globe in near-real-time, as well as the impact of the changing threat landscape on businesses, governments and the military.

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About the author

Rebecca is Senior Intelligence Analyst for Sub-Saharan Africa at Intelligence Fusion.

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South Africa sees light at the end of the load shedding tunnel

• The energy crisis in South Africa has significantly impacted the nation’s economic growth, potentially reducing it by up to 3.2 percentage points in 2022 .
• President Cyril Ramaphosa declares that the end of load shedding in South Africa is “finally within reach.”
• This president’s assertion is a ray of hope for millions of citizens who have endured the disruptive effects of load shedding for far too long.

South Africa has long grappled with the scourge of load shedding, a term that has become synonymous with power cuts and energy instability.

However, this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa during his 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA) sparked optimism across the continent’s most advanced economy, suggesting that an end to frequent load shedding may finally be within reach.

President Ramaphosa’s Optimistic Proclamation

During his SONA in Cape Town, President Ramaphosa expressed confidence that South Africa is on the brink of overcoming its energy challenges. He declared that the end of load shedding is “finally within reach,” signalling a potential turning point in the nation’s energy landscape.

This assertion is a ray of hope for millions of citizens who have endured the disruptive effects of load shedding for far too long.

The energy crisis in South Africa has significantly impacted the nation’s economic growth, potentially reducing it by up to 3.2 percentage points in 2022 . This trend is expected to continue, with output likely to be subdued until at least early 2024, as reported by the country’s central bank.

Power cuts, locally known as load shedding, are frequently implemented to safeguard the grid from collapse due to the inability of utility provider Eskom to meet demand with its ageing and poorly maintained plants.

These regular outages can last for as long as 12 hours a day, exacerbating the challenges posed by the energy crisis in South Africa.

Read also :  Is power rationing the new reality for Tanzania?

Reforms and Efforts to Combat Load Shedding

President Ramaphosa outlined the government’s multifaceted approach to addressing the energy crisis in South Africa. Key reforms include initiatives to reform the energy system, enhance infrastructure, and attract private investment in transmission projects.

President Ramaphosa noted that his administration has rolled out a set of reforms, empowering the private sector to channel investments in the country’s energy production.

At the moment, over 120 new private energy projects are under development. “These are phenomenal developments that are driving the restructuring of our electricity sector in line with what many other economies have done to increase competitiveness and bring down prices,” the President said.

Through these interventions, “we are confident that the worst is behind us and the end of load shedding is finally within reach. But we are not stopping there,” the President explained.

Furthermore, plans are underway to construct 14,000 kilometres of new transmission lines, representing a significant step towards integrating renewable energy sources and bolstering the reliability of the national grid.

Beyond the immediate goal of ending load shedding, President Ramaphosa highlighted the broader benefits of the country’s energy reform. These reforms are expected to improve South Africa’s logistics system, enhance water security, and stimulate job creation.

By tackling the root causes of energy instability, the government aims to lay the foundation for sustained economic growth and prosperity.

Read also :  Africa will need pragmatism, not idealism, to achieve a just energy transition

Persistent Challenges and Roadblocks

Despite the optimism surrounding President Ramaphosa’s remarks, challenges persist on the road to South Africa’s energy stability. Security services provider GardaWorld has projected that South Africa may remain susceptible to regular load shedding through mid-2024 and beyond.

Issues such as unplanned unit breakdowns, criminal sabotage, and corruption continue to hamper efforts to rehabilitate the national grid.

The consequences of load shedding extend far beyond inconvenience, with significant implications for businesses, infrastructure, and security for businesses and individuals as well.

Extended power cuts can disrupt commercial activities, impair essential services, and compromise security protocols. Moreover, the reliability of transportation networks and access to basic amenities such as water and fuel are jeopardized during load-shedding periods.

Navigating Towards Energy Stability

While the end of load shedding may be on the horizon, South Africa must navigate a complex landscape marked by challenges and uncertainties. President Ramaphosa’s vision for energy reform offers a beacon of hope, but concerted efforts from government, industry, and civil society will be essential to realizing this vision.

By addressing the root causes of energy instability and fostering a culture of innovation and resilience, South Africa can pave the way towards a future characterized by energy security and economic prosperity.

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Outrage: load shedding in South Africa

12 October 2022 By Stephanie Briers Outrage

Power outages caused by South Africa’s coal-fuelled energy supply have devastating consequences

L oad shedding – planned power outages by South Africa’s state-owned energy company Eskom – has come to shape everyday life. Although it began in 2007, in recent months South Africans have experienced the worst load shedding yet, being left in the dark for up to eight hours a day. Spending half of the waking day without power has major implications: meals need to be planned around the next power outage, food waste increases as refrigerators turn off, business owners sit with paid employees that cannot do their work, and major industries come to a halt.

Load shedding is a tale of ageing and poorly maintained infrastructure and corruption in coal-purchasing and power plant procurement, which has led Eskom into US$24 billion of debt. Power generated by Eskom comes mainly from coal-fired power stations that were built during apartheid with the economic boom in the ’60s and ’70s. With cheap and readily available coal from South African mines, power stations were built rapidly and produced some of the cheapest electricity in the world. But today, coal power is no longer cheap to produce and stations have a low-functioning capacity of around 60 per cent, high maintenance costs, and are pushed much harder than they should be; running the power stations almost non-stop to try to keep up with demand means that there is little time for upgrading and maintenance. In June 2022, three major units broke down causing a bout of nationwide power cuts.  

Investor confidence continues to be shaken as rolling power cuts increase. The country is already suffering economically, mainly due to the state capture by ousted ex-president Jacob Zuma, followed by Covid-19, which has impacted the global economy. Load shedding is putting the economy under further major strain; it is estimated that power outages cost the country US$1 million an hour.  

With a very cold winter and a major economic downturn, South Africans have had enough of Eskom’s load-shedding debacle. Increasingly, people are filling Eskom’s gaps, and realising that they do not need Eskom as much as they thought. Whereas a decade ago, South Africa would plummet into darkness neighbourhood by neighbourhood, today during power cuts, flickers of light and life glitter all around as people keep going despite the constant power disruptions. When the electricity is on, charging systems prepare mobile phones, laptops, lights and any other objects that have a battery to charge, for when the lights go off. Restaurants have individual back-up generators that they use as a selling point, advertising their presence next to the day’s specials. More solar installations have appeared on homes – at least of those who can afford them – and solar-powered lighting has been installed by NGOs in some self-built communities, enabling people to access basic services even when the power is out.  

Just as people are learning to cope with load shedding, so are major industries, many of which are now generating their own energy. The mining industry, which uses 30 per cent of Eskom’s power, is rolling out 73 solar and wind projects with a target of generating 5,100 MW daily, equating to the daily energy consumption of 170,000 households. On a smaller scale, the Shoprite Group, a major grocery chain, generates 12,300 MW from solar energy per year – enough to power 1,100 households for a year – though red tape and onerous review processes slow down project approvals.

The abundance of coal, and a long history of intense coal-mining – South Africa is the seventh largest coal producer globally – has made the transition to renewables challenging and the government’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2050 unrealistic. Eskom has not invested enough in renewable energy, even though South Africa has some of the best conditions for wind and solar power – only eight per cent of Eskom’s energy comes from wind and solar – and efforts to transition to renewables have been stopped by coal-power interest groups, debt and corruption.  

However, as the country’s energy emergency worsens and pressure to move to renewables increases globally, Eskom has been forced to loosen its coal- powered grip, and in late 2021 it opened up the market for private companies to bid to produce renewable energy and sell it back to them. The new focus of concern for Eskom will be the transmission and distribution of that energy, a project that CEO André de Ruyter has stated will cost billions.  

Generators are being used to overcome current disruptions (South Africa has the largest number of generators per capita in Africa), but the cost both financially and ecologically is huge. In the longer term, however, a widespread shift to people generating their own solar power is predicted; David Richard Walwyn, professor of technology management, believes that in five years South Africa will no longer need Eskom, which has seen a 21 per cent decrease in demand in the last year due to disconnecting non-paying customers and the Covid-19-related economic slowdown, but also, and more importantly, due to an increased use of self-generated solar power. These figures suggest that the population may be on the path to finally rendering the state-owned coal-powered energy giant redundant.

AR October 2022

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Load Shedding and Education: Overcoming Learning Barriers in South Africa

For students and educators across South Africa, load shedding has presented a unique and significant challenge. With unexpected power cuts disrupting the flow of education, it’s clear that adaptive strategies are needed. Let’s explore how load shedding impacts education and how we can overcome these learning barriers.

The Impact of Load Shedding on Education

The effect of load shedding on South African education is multi-fold. On one hand, it directly affects the learning environment. Schools relying heavily on electronic equipment such as computers, projectors, and even lights find their teaching capabilities diminished. For students, studying becomes a struggle in the absence of proper lighting and access to digital resources.

The shift to online learning, propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, has further exposed the fragility of our education system in the face of power outages. Online classes, digital assignments, and research are all reliant on stable power and internet access, both victims of load shedding.

Overcoming the Learning Barriers: Practical Solutions

Despite these challenges, South African schools, teachers, and students have proven resilient, deploying creative strategies to adapt and overcome. Here are some of the ways to mitigate the impact of load shedding on education.

1. Schedule Planning

A critical initial step is to be aware of the load shedding schedules provided by Eskom and municipal authorities. Schools and educational institutions can plan their timetable around these schedules to ensure minimal disruption to teaching and learning activities.

2. Harnessing Solar Power

Solar energy is a reliable and renewable source of power that can provide a sustainable solution to load shedding. Schools can invest in solar panels to generate electricity for classrooms, computer labs, and administrative blocks. This not only counters the effects of load shedding but also contributes to a greener future.

3. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Systems

UPS systems can be a lifeline during load shedding. By providing emergency power for a limited time, they enable the continuation of essential functions like computer-based learning or administrative tasks.

4. Hybrid Learning Models

Schools can adopt hybrid models of teaching that blend online and offline resources. This way, if power outages disrupt online classes, students can still continue learning through offline materials.

Innovating for the Future: Long-term Solutions

In addition to these immediate interventions, we need long-term solutions that not only tackle the problem at hand but also future-proof our education system.

1. Policy Interventions

Government policies can play a pivotal role in addressing this issue. Implementing a robust policy framework that encourages the adoption of renewable energy sources in educational institutions could be a significant step.

2. Building Digital Infrastructure

Enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure is crucial. Reliable, high-speed internet access across South Africa will ensure that students in even the remotest corners are not left behind during power cuts.

3. Developing Load Shedding-Resilient EdTech

Tech companies can focus on developing educational applications and platforms that require minimal power and internet connectivity to function effectively.

4. Capacity Building

It’s essential to equip educators with the skills to navigate these challenges. Teachers need to be trained to use diverse teaching methods that are not heavily dependent on electricity.

The trials presented by load shedding, while complex, also provide an opportunity to innovate our education system and make it more resilient. By focusing on sustainability, adaptability, and inclusion, we can ensure that every South African student continues to learn and grow, power or no power.

Education is the bedrock of any society, and it’s incumbent upon us all – policymakers, educators, parents, and students – to ensure that the flame of learning continues to burn bright, even in the face of load shedding. The road might be challenging, but with creativity and perseverance, we can certainly light the way.

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Loadshedding.com provides users with real-time updates on the load shedding schedule for their specific area, allowing them to plan ahead and prepare for power cuts. Loadshedding.com also offers tips and advice on how to conserve energy during load shedding, as well as provide information on backup power solutions , such as inverters, generators or solar panels. With features such as notifications, location search and the latest news , loadshedding.com can help users stay informed and reduce the inconvenience of power cuts. Whether you are at home, work, or on the go, loadshedding.com is a useful tool to have during times of electricity shortage.

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In the quaint town of Clarens, in the Eastern Free State, a groundbreaking initiative has emerged to address power interruptions through load curtailment (limiting).

Faced with the necessity of maintaining a thriving local economy while contributing to national electricity demand reduction efforts, Clarens has embarked on a journey towards innovative load management.

“Load curtailment is a proven strategy employed by municipalities and large customers nationwide to manage demand during supply constraints,” explains Bibi Bedir, Eskom’s Senior Manager for Retail in the Free State.

“However, the concept of ‘group curtailment,’ where a community collectively manages its own load curtailment, was pioneered right here in Clarens,” states Bedir.

Also of interest to you Eskom introduces load limiting in the Eastern Cape

How does the collaborative management of load curtailment work?

Group curtailment necessitates the concerted efforts of the entire community to reduce load when called upon. Under this system, nominated group coordinators receive advance notice from Eskom before the utility initiates load curtailment.

The coordinator then directs the community on which equipment to switch off to achieve the required demand reduction. Unlike traditional loadshedding , where customers are disconnected according to a schedule, load curtailment mandates sustained reductions in demand.

During curtailment stages 1 to 4, cooperating customers must reduce demand by 10% to 20%. Eskom closely monitors compliance, with three instances of non-compliance resulting in the reinstatement of normal loadshedding.

Of reference Four strikes and it’s lights out: Eskom to implement load limiting in Gauteng

To streamline curtailment efforts, a dedicated application was developed to alert customers when curtailment is activated. Real-time data from a meter installed at the town’s main point of supply enables residents to adjust their energy consumption dynamically.

Gert Kruger, Clarens’ group coordinator and a local business owner, emphasises the transformative impact of load curtailment: “For a town reliant on tourism, freedom from loadshedding is truly life-changing. With widespread community support, Clarens has successfully embraced this initiative, enhancing the visitor experience and preserving our natural beauty.”

Setting the benchmark in South Africa

Clarens, known for its vibrant arts scene and burgeoning tourism industry, has set its sights on becoming a smart town.

Already embracing smart city initiatives such as smart metering and electric vehicle charging stations, along with a diverse array of small-scale embedded generators (SSEGs), the town stands poised at the forefront of technological advancement.

Recognising the need for sustainable solutions, Eskom, the national electricity provider, eagerly collaborated with the town to facilitate its evolution into a smart town.

With Clarens leading the charge, similar projects are poised to be implemented nationwide, setting a benchmark for sustainable load management solutions.

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According to the Basic Education spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, regular load shedding has a negative impact on the basic education sector because electricity is required for teaching and learning, particularly in schools of specialization where equipment is required during class time.

Because of load shedding, students are unable to study adequately at home. "Even commuting to school is a problem. When traffic lights fail, it causes traffic jams, which can cause students to arrive late at school. It has a significant negative impact on education.

As much as there are alternative sources of power. The reality of some student is that they do not have these options due to financial reasons and most local schools do not have such resources.

Schools require electricity for administrative work that also includes data capturing in school system. The power cut are also causing delay in completing the school curriculum. There are topics that leaners need to complete and catch up on from home and are unable to due the the power cuts. Learners are affected by load shedding at home, which ultimately causes schools to fall behind on curriculum.

Many schools have to redirect their budgets, so that they may buy alternative source of power. There is a greater impact on matriculating leaners. (Those who are studying for their preliminary exams).

Teachers have tried many initiatives to bridge the impact of load shedding on students. For example, some schools provide learners with venues that have generators for when load shedding strikes, so that they may study after hours or during weekend.

Get a Load Shedding App.

You will be able to plan your studies around the load shedding schedule and prepare for power outages. For example, if you know you have an assignment due and stage 6 load shedding is in effect, you can go to a coffee shop with Wi-Fi to finish it without fear of losing power.

Use Beneficial Tools During Load Shedding

Using useful electronic devices is a surefire way to avoid load shedding and study effectively when there is no power. a Consider the following: Battery chargers: During a power outage, a good power bank will keep your smartphone and tablet charged. Lights that can be recharged: Rechargeable lights are an excellent way to keep the room illuminated while reviewing your notes before a big test or exam. External hard drives (HDDs): Make document loss a thing of the past by saving all of your important tasks, assignments, projects, and essays on an external hard drive.

Form A Study Group

If your budget is limited and you want to study effectively during load shedding, consider forming a study group with your fellow students or friends. A study group is an efficient way to plan ahead and study elsewhere while your load shedding schedule is in effect. Of course, you'll need to make sure your friend or classmate isn't on the same schedule as you or is experiencing load shedding at the same time. Having said that, having a study group is an effective way to combat lead shedding, and it also has several other advantages!

Print or write down your study notes

If you want to study during load shedding while saving money and avoiding the use of electronics, consider printing or writing out your study notes. Printing or writing out your study notes may seem archaic, but it's also an excellent way to save electricity. When printing or writing your study notes, avoid writing or printing your entire textbook. Instead, use this time to make study aids such as flashcards, mind maps, or summaries that you can use after load shedding is over.

Use Your Time Wisely

It may be uncomfortable to study during load-shedding or with a flashlight and candle. Use that time wisely and go over the work you've already done. This will allow you to easily memorize your work and study without feeling rushed.

Load shedding has had a significant impact on higher education and continues to have an impact on all university and college students.

Many students struggle to keep up with their academic workload during load shedding due to traffic jams and being forced to arrive late to class. Not only that, but load shedding has a direct impact on your ability to study.

Without electricity, for example, you may be forced to study by candlelight (which is bad for your eyesight) or forego studying due to a lack of resources.

Load shedding also has an impact on signal usage and Internet connectivity. Given the abundance of learning material available online, this makes accessing student portals, online lectures, and study aids difficult.

Deadline Driven

We all know how University is a "deadline driven industry" and sometimes the submission dates are midday (12pm) or midnight (12am) and yes you guessed it right! These are the times where we are most likely the have load shedding. Which has a direct impact on our networks because of connectivity issues due to load shedding.

We live in a future forward world where we have the power upgrade ourselves through technology. If you are a young adult professional looking forward to career advancement like doing short online courses. Load shedding and the connection issue can be a barrier.

In the beginning the impact of load shedding where over looked. If you are a young aspiring entrepreneur hoping to start your own business here are some of the negative impact load shedding has on businesses.

Productivity decline The inability of all businesses to produce goods and provide services is an obvious result of how load shedding affects them. When there is no electricity, productivity suffers, especially in businesses that do not have backup power systems.

Cost increases as a result of alternative energy sources To help mitigate the effects of load shedding, many small businesses turn to alternative power sources. This includes items such as generators, power banks, and solar panels. These additional power sources can be costly, as installation and maintenance are additional costs to the business, reducing profitability.

Concerns about security During power outages, businesses' security risks increase. Security alarms and cameras will not function unless they are powered by a backup source. Dial direct said it compared the number of burglaries and vehicle accidents when there was no load shedding to when there was load shedding from July 2019 to May 2022, and discovered that load shedding during the week resulted in a 3.2% increase in burglaries.

Electronics damage Power surges occur when power is deliberately turned on and off throughout the day. These can cause significant damage to a company's electrical and manufacturing equipment, as well as computers. Damaged electronics can prevent the business from operating. As a result, businesses are forced to obtain additional insurance to ensure that they are adequately covered in the event of damage to their electronics. Load shedding or blackouts are not insurable risks under an insurance contract, but insurers do cover damage to sensitive electronic items caused by power surges.

The impact caused by load shedding is deeper than what we think. You now understand how load shedding affected learners and the impact it has in South Africa. The impact it has on Basic Education and Tertiary education has been highlighted. Tips of how to effectively study in the dark have been provided. We also understand the impact it has on young adults and on personal growth. In a world of digital transformation it is always best to maximize your resources. Chat and Pay allows you to skip the long line and blackouts join our waitlist and be part of the hundreds of South Africans who cannot wait to get their hands on the app. Supercharge how you interact with your money and switch and save.

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ActionSA slams government for opposing load-shedding ruling

ActionSA was in court on Wednesday opposing the government and Eskom's application for leave to appeal the ruling to exempt hospitals, state schools and police stations from load-shedding.

Last year the party won its case in the North Gauteng High Court to declare load-shedding unconstitutional.

However, the state sought to appeal sections of the ruling, saying the judgment was “too vague”.

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba criticised Eskom, the president and the electricity minister for recklessly spending taxpayers' money to appeal the outcome instead of addressing the concerns raised by the court ruling.

“L oad-shedding infringes on the basic constitutional rights of South Africans and protecting the most vulnerable against the power crisis through exempting schools, police stations and hospitals. It is our duty to protect these crucial services and it is concerning that the president, the minister and Eskom do not care.

“It is well documented how communities in South Africa have been adversely affected by load-shedding when police stations’ telephone lines don’t work, hospitals fail to take care of sick patients when the lights go off or studies are interrupted at schools when they have no access to power.”

The party said load-shedding was one of the biggest obstacles to job creation with thousands of small businesses forced to close while crime spikes during load-shedding.

“Our children are sent home when schools cannot operate without power and are left without day care and feeding programmes. Hospitals and clinics are unable to save lives when the lights go out. This is unacceptable.

“We will continue to do everything in our power to protect the most vulnerable South Africans from the failures of the governing party and will take whatever steps necessary to ensure the government is held accountable and keep the state accountable for its ongoing failures.”

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