New Electricity Minister Can't Promise a Quick Fix to Load Shedding
Newly appointed electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says that he will unveil an implementation plan shortly to deal with load shedding, reports EWN. Ramokgopa is tasked with all aspects of the response to the electricity crisis as power utility Eskom battles aging infrastructure, governance issues, and dwindling generation capacity. President Cyril Ramaphosa said during his address on his cabinet reshuffle that Ramokgopa would expedite plans to ensure the country is more energy secure. "The minister will work with Eskom leadership to turn around the performance of existing power stations and to accelerate the procurement of new generation capacity, working with all colleagues," he said. While Ramokgopa is yet to share the details of his implementation plan, he is expected to involve Eskom officials, the private sector and opposition parties when he kicks off high-level talks with stakeholders.
PSL Soccer Player Siphamandla Mtolo Dies During Training
The South African football community is mourning the sudden death of Richards Bay Premier Soccer League (PSL) star Siphamandla Mtolo, reports News24. Mtolo died after collapsing during a training session. The 29-year-old, who played as a defender and holding midfielder, and has been at the KwaZulu-Natal club since 2020, was known as 'Spepe' by his teammates and fans. The South African Football Association (SAFA) issued a statement saying: "We as the South African Football Association would like to convey our sincerest condolences, deepest sympathy, and heartfelt sorrow to his family, friends, and the club during this difficult time."
South Africa's Economy Shrinks by 1.3%
Statistics South Africa data shows that the country's economy contracted by 1.3% in the fourth quarter of 2022, reports SABC News. According to Stats SA, contributions to the decrease in the fourth quarter of 2022 came from the mining, agriculture, and manufacturing industries. The stats agency also noted a slowdown in economic activities in the finance, real estate, and business services industries. Chief economist at Investec, Annabel Bishop, says economic growth in 2023 is expected to be flat due to the ongoing energy crisis. Bishop says: "We think growth will come out at 0.5% in 2023, we have a year ahead of severe load shedding which will damage economic activity in South Africa and of course as well economic growth forecasts have been revised down since the start of the year."
Nation Faces Integral Green Hydrogen Decision Hinges in Next 12-Months
South Africa must be prepared to take swift action on moving from feasibility to investment decisions on green hydrogen, according to Kannan Lakmeeharan of the management consulting firm McKinsey. Speaking to Engineering News, Lakmeeharan said that progress withing the next six to 12 months will be crucial in securing success of the hydrogen economy in Africa. Cumulative investment in the hydrogen industry in Africa is estimated by Lakmeeharan to amount to between U.S.$500-billion and U.S.$1-trillion by 2050.
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Striking Public Sector Workers Disrupt Key Facilities
Workers affiliated with the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) trade union have disrupted operations at multiple government facilities across the country, eNCA reports. This comes after workers demanded a a 10 percent salary increase but the Department of Public Service and Administration is only prepared to offer a rise of 4.7 percent. Disruptions also affected patients at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg who were barred from entering the facility to receive treatment.
