The Department of Minerals and Energy on Monday celebrated the success of its electrification programme with a symbolic switch-on ceremony in Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg.
Departmental spokesperson Kanyo Gqulu said 50% of all rural households and 80% of all urban households now have electricity.
In Orange Farm alone more than R37,6-million was spent since 1994 to supply 28 220 households with electricity, while more than 11 976 schools and clinics were supplied with electricity in the past 10 years.
”The electrification programme is one of the programmes aimed at bringing affordable and sustainable energy to all,” Gqulu said.
”To date more than half of South Africa’s rural population has access to electricity, which is crucial for the eradication of poverty, the fulfilment of basic needs and sustained economic development.”
Minister of Minerals and Energy Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka conducted the symbolic switch-on. — Sapa