Neelam Rahim / neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
12 February 2023 / 21:41 CAT

Image: DFA

Environmentalists were part of the groups who closely listened to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address on Thursday, in which he announced that a national disaster had been declared to address the country’s electricity crisis. He added that to deal with the crisis, he would appoint a minister of electricity.

Francesca de Gasparis, executive director of the Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute (SAFCEI), said Ramaphosa laid out the energy crisis well, especially how much energy needed to be brought in and the precise plan set out for renewable energies.

However, there needed to be more in his discussion about our energy systems and the problems we face.

“It does feel late and this should have been done sooner. Government has been trying to resolve the issue, but without enough critical leadership,” says de Gasparis.

Meanwhile, de Gasparis suggests that the analysis needs to go deeper to assess some challenges.

Environmental and faith-based organisations and civil society monitoring government for many years see energy as one of the most crucial challenges.

“The President was very vague on some of the essential details,” she added.

Listen to the interview with Annisa Essack and Francesca de Gasparis on Radio Islam’s podcast.