The president of South Africa schedules meetings to tackle the energy crisis in the country

12 Jan. (EUROPA PRESS) –

Vincent Magwenya, spokesman for the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, has reported that the authorities have scheduled several meetings this Thursday and Friday to propose solutions for the energy crisis that the country is experiencing and that has been going on for several months.

In a press conference, Magwenya explained that Ramaphosa “deeply regrets” the situation after the Eskom company drastically reduced its electricity capacity due to many factors, including its facilities, which are obsolete and still run on coal.

“The president recognizes the frustration of households, parents and students who have started the school year facing power outages,” he said, adding that “the devastation to small businesses and the adverse impact on the economy remain severe. “, according to the newspaper ‘Sowetan’.

In the midst of the energy crisis, the energy regulator Nersa has given the ‘green light’ this Thursday to an increase in the electricity rate of 18.65 percent for the years 2023 and 2024, as announced by its president, Thembani Bukula.

The announcement follows several delays by Nersa, which was expected to make its final decision in November last year on Eskom’s request to raise prices by 32 percent. The company alleged, among other reasons, a rise in fuel and financial sustainability problems.

Finally, Bukula has argued that it will increase 18.65 percent with the aim of achieving a “balance” both for Eskom and for customers, as well as for the impact it may have on the South African economy, according to the newspaper. ‘The Star’.