Private sector partnership reduced load shedding, next targets: Transnet, logistics, crime, corruption - James McKay

We have passed 50 days without load shedding in South Africa, even as the cold of winter begins to bite when electricity demand normally increases. The CEO of the Energy Council, James McKay, told BizNews in an interview that the lack of load shedding is due to a partnership that the government formed with the business sector. While business “is not lifting the spanners” at Eskom, their involvement in capacity mobilisation, strategic planning, and accountability discussions has been instrumental, he said. McKay highlighted a significant shift from previous political resistance to private sector involvement in state-owned enterprises. This collaboration, he said, extends beyond the energy sector, encompassing transport, logistics, crime, and corruption. Progress is being made on a new transport master plan, which is advancing through Cabinet, and efforts are underway to modernise crime monitoring capabilities in South Africa, according to McKay. - Linda van Tilburg