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To solve South Africa’s energy crisis, academics, activists, and experts suggested that ActionSA consider a more aggressive shift towards renewable energy, help develop skills in affected communities and provide energy policy certainty for both the private and public sectors. 

These were just some of the suggestions put forward at our Policy Expert Discussion Panel on Energy held in Johannesburg today. 16 years since load shedding was first implemented in South Africa, our electricity security has continued to decline with urgent measures necessary to reduce its impact on lives and livelihoods. 

The engagement, hosted in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), featured ActionSA National Spokesperson, Lerato Ngobeni, with inputs from independent analyst, Clyde Mallinson, South African National Energy Association’s Kiren Maharaj, Independent Analyst and Journalist Nick Hedley, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s Monique le Roux and Greenpeace Africa’s Cynthia Moyo. 

The robust debate put forward tangible solutions to address South Africa’s energy crisis. Mallinson suggested that South Africa moves its entire focus to renewables as it is beneficial, not only for the environment but communities as well. Maharaj added that South Africa’s energy policy needs to balance various societal needs in the country’s energy strategy to find a balance which best suits the country’s needs.

Meanwhile, Hedley shared various lessons from international case studies on energy transition, including how South Australia found itself in a similar position to ours less than a decade ago and now relies on renewables for most of its energy needs. Le Roux said it is important that the South African government provides policy coherence and implementation to ensure that the country gets its energy grid to where it needs to be. Moyo added that it is important that whatever energy approach is taken, the human impact of decisions is considered and planned for. 

Today’s expert panel - the 8th out of 13 panels - forms part of ActionSA’s broader policy engagement process ahead of our inaugural policy conference in September where we are also asking everyday experts, our members, and the people of South Africa for solutions to the most pressing issues in our society.

ActionSA believes that solutions on how to fix South Africa won’t come from politicians but will come from experts and ordinary citizens who are most affected. 

Together we will be able to provide a clear alternative for South Africans and usher in change in the 2024 elections. Submissions can be made on ActionSA’s public platform here. The last date for submissions is on Wednesday.

Issued by ActionSA