Are South Africa’s power cuts now a thing of the past?
Sep 19, 2024
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Dan Marokane, the new CEO of Eskom, reveals his plans to end South Africa's long-standing power cuts that have plagued the nation since 2007. He discusses recent advancements in power supply and the shift towards integrating renewable energy sources. The podcast also features heartbreaking stories from caregivers at a Johannesburg hospice, illustrating the devastating impact of electricity shortages on vulnerable children. Together, they emphasize the urgent need for reliable power in healthcare and the community's struggle for stability amid the energy crisis.
Dan Marokane's leadership at Eskom has introduced a generation recovery plan, significantly reducing power outages for the first time in years.
Power cuts severely impact healthcare facilities like Lambano Sanctuary, drastically affecting the care and survival of vulnerable children in hospices.
Deep dives
The Role of Palliative Care for Children
Palliative care focuses on providing comprehensive support to individuals with terminal illnesses, ensuring dignity and comfort until the end of life. At Lambano Sanctuary in Johannesburg, specialized care is offered for sick and dying children, addressing their emotional and physical needs. This approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining a pain-free and comfortable environment. Staff members face immense challenges, particularly when access to reliable electricity is compromised, affecting the essential care provided to these vulnerable patients.
Impact of Load Shedding on Healthcare
The ongoing electricity shortages in South Africa, commonly referred to as load shedding, significantly disrupt healthcare services, especially in hospices like Lambano Sanctuary. The reliance on electricity for medical equipment, such as oxygen concentrators and feeding devices, creates a dire situation for caregivers and patients alike. Instances were shared where children have tragically lost their lives due to power outages, highlighting the urgent need for a stable power supply in healthcare settings. The stress of managing care during electricity failures adds to the emotional toll on caregivers, who strive to maintain a supportive environment in challenging conditions.
Recent Developments in South Africa's Energy Crisis
Changes in leadership at Eskom, South Africa's state power utility, have led to a notable decrease in power outages, signaling a potential turning point in the energy crisis. New CEO Dan Marucane and his team have implemented a generation recovery plan focused on improving the reliability of electricity supply and restoring capacity. This shift has been complemented by an increase in renewable energy sources, which currently contributes a growing percentage to the national energy grid. As the country moves forward, the lessons learned from the past power shortages emphasize the critical need for a stable and sustainable energy infrastructure.
Today Alan Kasujja sits down with Dan Marokane, the recently appointed CEO of South Africa's national power supplier, Eskom.
He wants to understand how the new boss has been able to halt power cuts that have been devastating to both the economy and the wellbeing of all South Africans.
These electricity problems started towards the end of 2007.
Then president Thabo Mbeki apologised and admitted that he should have listened to the leadership of Eskom who warned his administration about future power shortages.
Alan also hears from two women who run a hospice that looks after children in the east of Johannesburg.
They share heart breaking stories of what happens to the babies whenever there are power cuts.
Guests: Katlego Foster, Lyn Crooye, Chanda Nxumalo and Dan Marokane
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