South Africa: On the edge of darkness

South Africa is currently facing a severe power crisis, with Stage six load shedding causing widespread blackouts. The country's power system is crumbling, unable to sustain a consistent electricity supply. Unfortunately, the poorest citizens are the hardest hit by this crisis. After decades of mismanagement and rampant corruption, South Africa finds itself in this dire situation. Criminal gangs, involved in looting, are resorting to violence to protect their interests. The consequences are devastating, as people struggle to breathe in the midst of the power cuts and pollution caused by burning coal, which remains the primary source of energy. The urgent need for a green revolution has emerged as a potential solution, but the question remains whether international support and pressure can help South Africa transition to renewable energy, or if the deep-rooted corruption will hinder any progress. The situation is deeply concerning, and the country finds itself in a dark and depressing place.

The implementation of Stage four load shedding will continue until further notice, with an imminent shift to Stage six load shedding during specific hours. This crisis has brought South Africa, once a prominent economic powerhouse on the continent, to the brink of collapse. Johannesburg and other parts of the country experience long daily power cuts, impacting daily life and exacerbating the stagnant economy and high unemployment rates.

As we venture out of Johannesburg, the coal country comes into view, with coal-fired power stations dotting the horizon and the unmistakable smell of coal in the air. While there is a theoretical push for a transition to renewable energy, the reality on the ground proves challenging and dangerous. Criminal gangs fight over control of the coal industry, operating numerous illegal mines in the region. Truck drivers transporting coal face risks, as they may unknowingly end up at illegal mines. Journalists investigating these gangs face grave dangers, as the province becomes a brutal place where the truth can cost lives.

Beyond stolen coal, the coal-fired power plants in the region suffer from mismanagement, looting, and sabotage. Scams range from basic fraud, such as inflating prices for protective gear, to more intricate acts of sabotage, like damaging pumping stations and tampering with the coal supply. Criminal gangs view power plants as lucrative targets, forcing plant managers to take extreme security measures. The pervasive corruption extends to the highest levels of government, with alleged links between powerful politicians and criminal cartels in the coal industry.

The urgent need for South Africa to break its coal addiction has become increasingly evident. The country's heavy reliance on coal leads to high levels of pollution, making areas like Coal country among the most polluted places on Earth. Children suffer from respiratory issues, and pollution-related health problems plague communities. Local campaigners argue that the government prioritizes job preservation over public health and ignores court orders to enforce pollution standards.

Efforts are underway to support a Just Energy transition in South Africa, with an eight billion dollar plan backed by Western nations to help the country shift away from coal. South Africa possesses abundant wind and solar resources, making renewable energy a viable and cost-effective option. However, numerous obstacles stand in the way. Coal miners and unions fear job losses, and political resistance from influential figures poses a significant challenge. The country's president promised to tackle corruption and rebuild the nation, but the reality is that senior figures within the government remain untouchable and determined to obstruct the transition away from coal.

Andre de Reuter, a businessman brought in to reform the state power utility Eskom, faced unimaginable challenges. He uncovered staggering levels of corruption, estimating that around a billion Rand (50 million dollars) was stolen from Eskom every month. Despite some arrests at lower levels, the top-ranking officials and politicians involved remain untouched. De Reuter's life was endangered when he was poisoned with a deadly concoction. Though he survived, he was forced to resign and flee the country. The investigation