Eskom has been telling South Africans that its ageing coal-fired power station fleet is the main reason for breakdowns. However, the real reasons are much closer to home.

Irrigation farmers are warning of crop failure and higher food prices as intensifying power cuts leave them unable to properly water summer crops. 

The data released by Statistics South Africa this morning shows that consumer food price inflation slowed marginally to 12,7% in December 2022 from 12,8% in November.

The food security risk from severe load-shedding is evident across South Africa’s agricultural sector and the broader food, fibre and beverages value chain.

In January, news outlets countrywide reported on the culling of more than 10 million day-old chicks in the egg and poultry industries — the result of ventilation shutdowns brought on by stage six load-shedding.

It is beyond dispute that every sector of the South African economy has suffered from the impact of rolling blackouts. But agriculture has suffered disproportionately, with numerous commodities under severe strain.

Over the past 15 years South Africa has been experiencing a gradually worsening number of electricity cuts. This state of affairs has prompted frustration among citizens, negative international economic sentiment and financial hardship for many businesses.