Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
12 May 2024 | 22:11 SAST
2-minute read

South Africans have enjoyed 44 days without loadshedding thus far, but the nation’s energy crisis has not been eradicated.  Reports indicate that Eskom has resorted to burning diesel to stave off loadshedding. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has expressed dismay over Eskom’s expenditure, raising questions about the sustainability of current energy policies.

However, there are conflicting reports regarding the future of load shedding, with some sources predicting a permanent end to load shedding by 2025.

Executive Director Mohammad Cajee at the Auwal Socioeconomic Research Institute (ASRI) discussed Business for SA’s assessment that loadshedding will end next year.

“A lot of their assessment of the lack of load shedding, or load shedding coming down to stage one, and to stage zero next year, is the ramp up of private generation capacity as well as the ramp up of PV and renewables,” Cajee said.

While acknowledging NERSA’s concerns about the current reliance on diesel, he also considered the possibility of a gradual improvement in the energy landscape, fuelled by increased investment in renewables.

The ANC has been accused of keeping the lights on just until election day on May 29.

“You can’t obviously have people going to the polls with load shedding at the forefront of their minds because obviously they’d go to the polls wanting to punish the incumbent government for the lack of electricity and power,” Cajee noted, saying that it remains to be seen whether the end of load shedding really is on the horizon.

Cajee also discussed the underlying strategy behind the Democratic Alliance’s controversial advertisement, which has been rejected for broadcast by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

Some critics have labelled the advertisement as a misstep, while others argue that the very fact that it is generating widespread conversation may be indicative of its success as a campaign tactic.

Cajee, reflecting on the DA’s historical branding and political trajectory, emphasised the continuity of the party’s approach.

He noted that the burning flag imagery aligns with the DA’s past use of provocative symbols and messaging to garner attention and rally support, particularly from their traditional voter base.

Cajee further contextualised the DA’s recent history, referencing a period under former leader Mmusi Maimane marked by attempts to broaden the party’s appeal and embrace more progressive policies. However, he highlighted a subsequent shift back towards the party’s conservative roots, as advised by the Coetzee Leon report following the 2019 elections.

The controversial ad may serve to galvanise its core supporters, particularly in regions like the Western Cape, where the party has historically maintained significant influence.

Listen to the ASRI Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat here.