Tag: load shedding

The 2022 Gen Next report reveals what feels like unprecedented chaos as an ongoing theme experienced by the youth of South Africa. Youth unemployment, a shrinking economy, load shedding, looting and lockdown restrictions are but several contentious issues the youth were dealing with when the research study was infield.

The conversation started poorly and deteriorate from there. “Triple or single phase?” was his opening gambit. And already I was stumped. “How do I tell?” was my weak retort … and already I could feel his eyes rolling on the other side of the phone.

With South Africa experiencing its worst year of load shedding to date, we’re seeing a surge in demand for alternative power solutions from homeowners and businesses alike. Solar is emerging as a popular option, enabling people to reduce their reliance on Eskom at a time the utility is asking the regulator to approve a 32% increase in power tariffs.

Inflation around the world is a hot topic as many countries struggle with increases in inflation on consumer goods. This has put a spotlight onto the 'cost of living' topic and how it affects inflation in the media industry.

It's the year 2022 in the eighth month, and the country has emerged out of lockdown as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Petrol prices have skyrocketed to unprecedented highs, load shedding intensified and interest rates are sitting at 5.5% - the highest since 2016.

The notion of a polycrisis – various systemic crisis occurring simultaneously and interacting with one another – has been around for a while but has gained renewed traction for obvious reasons.

With South Africans learning to live with the current cycle of stage 6 load shedding, many believe the ongoing power cuts to be the antagonist behind the weak Rand. However, according to treasury experts, load shedding is merely a small contributor to a far greater picture.  

The turbulent geopolitical climate is creating uncertain economic conditions across the globe. In South Africa, several unique challenges are worsening the effects of global risk factors, including load shedding, hefty fuel hikes and ongoing inflationary increases.

Based on exclusive interviews with De Ruyter, Oberholzer and other key figures, Sabotage: Eskom under Siege is a story of conspiracy and subterfuge at South Africa’s ailing power utility, uncovering the power struggles that threaten the country’s very survival.

As the name suggests, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is a measure of the energy efficiency performance of a building. And while it is still too early to judge its impact (deadline for certification is December this year), it has massive potential to act as impetus to reduce carbon emissions in the country.