ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa Promises Investment in Energy to End South African Blackouts

The African National Congress (ANC) has announced its intent to prioritize investment in energy infrastructure as part of a broader strategy to end the persistent issue of rolling blackouts in South Africa. The declaration came during a recent event where ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa unveiled the party's manifesto at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban.

South Africa's national power provider, Eskom, has been grappling with an aging fleet of coal-fired power plants, a challenge that has resulted in erratic power supply and blackouts that have become a daily grievance for citizens and businesses alike. These power interruptions have had a detrimental effect on small businesses and have been a drag on the country’s economy.

President Ramaphosa emphasized the necessity of robust investment in the country's energy landscape as a cornerstone to not only ending the pervasive power cuts but also as a critical catalyst for meaningful economic growth. “We are investing in energy infrastructure and in roads, also railways and to make sure that there is meaningful economic growth,” Ramaphosa said, stressing that ensuring a secure energy supply was central to the country’s development plans.

As the Head of State spoke, he outlined a vision of an integrated approach to solving some of the most entrenched infrastructural issues facing the nation. He acknowledged the profound impact that the energy, transport, and logistics sectors have on the country's industrialization and growth.

Moreover, Ramaphosa provided a ray of hope for many South Africans who have been ambushed by joblessness, asserting that vital infrastructure upgrades and improvements would foster a conducive environment for job creation. The President reassured supporters and the nation at large that the ANC was committed to overcoming the electricity challenges that have plagued South Africa for years. “We will continue comrades, to fix our constraints in energy and transport and logistic sectors. There are important network industries and strategic assets that are critical to our industrialization and growth and development,” he added.

The message from the ANC and President Ramaphosa is clear: the current state of energy provision is untenable and requires immediate action. Any enhancements to the power supply system not only promise better living conditions for South Africans tired of load shedding but also a more inviting atmosphere for both domestic and international investment.

The nation has been eager for a permanent solution to the power dilemma, and if the ANC's plans come to fruition, this investment could signal a pivotal turn in South Africa’s socio-economic resurgence. With the 2024 elections on the horizon, the efficacy of these promises and the actions that follow will be significant in determining the future trajectory of the country under the ANC's leadership.