South Africa has been facing a severe energy crisis with frequent power cuts and breakdowns in the energy sector. Energy Analyst Ruse Moleshe suggests that declaring the energy crisis as a national state of disaster could help address the situation.

According to Moleshe, disaster regulations could help circumvent the country’s slow policy processes and expedite procurement requirements. This would also provide an opportunity to consult with original manufacturers to determine the root cause of the recurring breakdowns.

However, Moleshe clarifies that declaring a state of disaster is not a guarantee to keep the lights on in the short term. The only way to fix some of the ailing power stations is to take them offline. He adds that other interventions, such as a powerful ship, would be required to stop power cuts.

In conclusion, declaring the energy crisis as a national disaster in South Africa could be a solution to cut red tape and speed up procurement. It may also help address some of the country’s energy concerns, but a long-term solution requires more comprehensive measures.