From the people helping South Africans with rooftop solar panels to the companies building major renewable energy projects, all are contributing to a greener, more power-secure SA. Implemented correctly, all of these initiatives could see SA once again become a model for the world to follow.
But even if Eskom had consistently managed to keep the lights on over the past 15 years, there would still be a strong case for moving to new forms of energy. The utility is, after all, the world’s most polluting power company. In time, that could make it difficult for SA to receive investment, particularly from countries and investment funds with strict environmental criteria.
Such a framework should, therefore, work to ensure that electricity is affordable to all South Africans by ensuring that the electricity energy market remains competitive both for Eskom and private producers. Additionally, it should provide legal clarity on how to achieve a just transition, particularly when it comes to ensuring that workers in the traditional space aren’t left high and dry.