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Spiralling: Electricity tariffs have risen by more than 1 100% since 2007. In addition to consumption costs,
there are layered costs for generation, theft and non-payment, among others. Photo: Madelene Cronje

Paying more for less power

Citizens are paying far more for electricity despite using less of it, as rising tariffs, fixed monthly charges and municipal costs reshape household bills and intensify…

At odds: Residents in Khutsong have refused to pay for electricity because of maladministration on the part of
the municipality. Photos: Barry Christianson
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Merafong’s energy poverty crisis deepens

Under prepaid metering systems, customers must pay upfront for electricity before they can use it

Intent on governing: EFF leader Julius Malema talking to the media
about the party’s campaign strategy. Photo: EFF

EFF vows to ‘punish’ ANC at polls

Next local government elections will be a decisive test, Malema says as party launches plan of attack

Unregulated housing embodies the worst intersections of poverty, inequality and environmental degradation. Johannesburg’s future demands sustainable urban planning and community participation. Photo: File

Shattered dreams, poisoned streets: The hidden human cost of Joburg’s housing crisis

A shift to sustainable, fossil-free solutions is necessary to tackle poverty, inequality and environmental degradation in the city

South Africa may have attained political emancipation but economically the chains largely remain.  (File photo)

Economic apartheid: South Africa’s transition a warning for a two-state agreement for Palestine

South Africa may have attained political emancipation but economically the chains largely remain

Local government are elected to provide services, but many struggle to do this. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

Why a review of the White Paper on Local Government matters

The key assumption that municipalities would raise enough revenue to fund most of their operational expenditure needs to be revisited

(Graphic: John McCann/M&G)

Living in the darkness of a broken city – Johannesburg

We are at the mercy of ageing infrastructure, corrupt municipal workers and city officials who have lost control over Johannesburg

Dribs and drabs: Suburbs in the east of Joburg have spent eight days and counting without water. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

Dry humour isn’t funny

Showers and dishes must wait – even the dog’s bowl is rationed – as Joburg experiences yet another sustained service delivery failure

A just energy transition cannot only be good for corporations. It must include workers, the unemployed and young people.

Battle for energy justice: Why we must win social ownership

Electricity must be treated as a public good and a fundamental human right

One example of the risks of shutting off a water system is causing more leaks. A rapid pressure drop can cause water hammer, a shockwave that can be damaging. Photo: WaterCAN

Consequences be damned

But we suffer even if we did not make the decision – like not having water or electricity for 48 hours

The reality is that we simply cannot meet the African continent’s unique energy problems and opportunities without accelerating grid transformation. Photo: Salam Habash / Unsplash

Our ailing power grids need urgent upgrading to accommodate renewable energy

The recent outage in Spain and Portugal shows we must modernise how we transport power, supported by AI and automation

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. (GCIS)

Government opens door to private sector to expand electricity transmission lines

Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says a pilot project to involve the private sector in electricity transmission will provide the government with fiscal relief

On AI itself, Pope Leo calls for technological projects that protect what he describes as the grandeur of humanity. He warns against reducing people to measurable outputs, predictive profiles or behavioural categories.

The mirage of AI: South Africa’s reality check on the tech ‘utopia’

Automation, driven by artificial intelligence, threatens jobs for low-skilled and semi-skilled workers and these groups are also subjected to higher interest rates and…

Reliable power is essential for economic growth in key sectors such as manufacturing, where growth is vital for absorbing labour and addressing high unemployment levels. (Gianluigi Guercia/AFP/Getty Images)

What the budget and US climate policy shift mean for SA’s energy sector

The 2025 budget reflects a measured outlook on the energy landscape, highlighting progress that has been made and lingering problems

Global and local data centre developers now need to build facilities that are both reliable and environmentally friendly. Photo: David Harrison

Solar and water tank adopters are forcing government to adapt or die

People have installed solar panels and found other water sources, with some negative consequences

The migration to renewable energy is gaining momentum but there is a shortage of storage facilities. Photo: Dwayne Senior/Bloomberg/Getty Images)

Africa’s renewable energy takes off: But where is the storage?

Through investment in technologies and expertise, proper regulations and collaboration between African governments and other actors, the continent can embark on a solid energy…

A new case study proposes that, as part of the country’s energy transition, mining-affected communities, like those in Sekhukhune, set up solar farms through cooperatives to generate electricity for their own use.

A new currency backed by minerals? Africa is gambling on its energy transition

The continent must use energy minerals for its development rather than feeding them to industrialised countries

Pay your electricity bill or have your power switched off. File photo

Unpaid electricity charges? Be prepared to be left in the dark

The court highlighted the tension between the rights of a body corporate to be reimbursed for the payments made and the right of a respondent to have electricity supplied

Urban drought: The persistent water shortages in Johannesburg, often making it necessary for residents to collect water from tankers for daily use. (Louw/Volksblad/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Attain sustainable development goals through the water-energy-food nexus

Water, energy and food are central to sustainable development, socio-ecological and economic sustainability, healthy ecosystems and improved livelihoods. The three resources are…

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.

Opposition parties dismiss Lesufi’s State of the Province address as bluster without actionable plans

They criticised the Gauteng premier’s water and electricity solutions as misguided