LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
South Africa’s Electricity Minister Predicts End of Load Shedding by Mid-2024
Published By Everything ZA Travel
In a recent interview with JJ Tabane on Power to Truth, South Africa’s Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa expressed optimism that load shedding will be over by the middle of 2024. He cited two key factors contributing to this prediction: increased generation capacity and the imminent arrival of new power equipment from China.
On the first front, Ramokgopa noted that several new generating units are coming online, which will help to boost South Africa’s electricity supply. This includes the Medupi and Kusile power stations, which are among the largest coal-fired power stations in the world. In addition, the government is investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
On the second front, Ramokgopa announced that South Africa will receive the first consignment of power equipment from Chinese companies as early as next week. This follows the agreements signed between the two countries on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. The new equipment will be used to repair and upgrade existing power plants, as well as to build new ones.
Ramokgopa’s prediction is a welcome one for South Africans, who have been grappling with load shedding for many years. Load shedding is a process of intentionally rotating power outages in order to manage demand and prevent a complete blackout. It can be disruptive to businesses and households alike, and it has had a significant negative impact on the South African economy.
If Ramokgopa’s prediction comes to pass, it will represent a major milestone in South Africa’s efforts to address its energy crisis. It will also be a testament to the government’s commitment to investing in the country’s energy infrastructure.
However, it is important to note that Ramokgopa’s prediction is based on a number of assumptions, including the timely completion of new power plants and the efficient use of the new power equipment from China. It is also important to note that the South African government has a history of making ambitious promises that it has not been able to keep.
As such, it is important to remain cautious about Ramokgopa’s prediction. However, it is also important to be hopeful that his prediction will come to pass. South Africa desperately needs to end load shedding if it is to achieve its economic development goals.
Source: https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/722450/5-important-things-happening-in-south-africa-today-1621/
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