Page 9 - Jonathan Katzenellenbogen News Today

Allowing Eskom to concession its fleet of coal-fired power stations to private contractors would have been politically impossible just a few years ago. With the ANC’s commitment to a large role for the state and the need to dispense patronage, this was unimaginable. Now, Eskom’s near bankruptcy and the growing severity of power cuts have forced a change in thinking by the ANC.

The SA power sector is plagued by regulatory complexities and experts warn that a true solution will require comprehensive electricity reform.

With multiple signs that the ANC is in decline and polls showing steep loss of support, the party is failing to adapt, change and modernise.

There are multiple signs that the ANC is in decline. Various polls show a steep loss of support.  The ANC has failed to deliver growth, services and jobs, and it has lost a sense of higher purpose and direction. The party has also shown that it is unable to fundamentally change its ideas and modernise.

Eskom's power cuts and the nation's ongoing electricity crisis have marked SA as a high-cost economy with a 2% drop in GDP.

About thirty years ago, when I worked as a management consultant, our team was often asked by clients about what competitive advantages were due to their location in South Africa. There were three slides to show that South Africa had two advantages which could not be easily eroded.

There are a rising number of demonstrations against power cuts and everyone is having to be more self-reliant.

The President’s few days in Davos would have only highlighted the country’s dire predicament and lack of a plan to end the mess.

The deteriorating infrastructure and the absence of reform means South Africa will struggle to grow and create jobs. All this must lead to further economic decline but could also lay the way open to the ANC’s eviction at the polls.

Big business bosses took on the government over growing red tape, potholes, power cuts and more.