Guest
South Africa is facing an economic crisis, characterized by stagnant wages, high poverty rates, and increasing inequality since Jacob Zuma became president in 2009. The country has a staggering unemployment rate of 33%, with youth unemployment at 62%. Hopes that Cyril Ramaphosa, who succeeded Zuma in 2018, would turn things around have not materialized, and the economy continues to decline. The state-owned energy company, Eskom, is a major source of concern. It holds a virtual monopoly over electricity generation in South Africa and relies heavily on coal, making it the world's largest emitter of sulfur dioxide and contributing to health issues. Eskom has been plagued by embezzlement and mismanagement, with reports linking its problems to the Gupta Brothers, who allegedly looted the company with Zuma's help. Eskom's infrastructure has been deliberately sabotaged by criminal cartels, leading to frequent blackouts, which have severe economic and humanitarian consequences. The ongoing energy crisis and economic dysfunction have raised concerns about South Africa becoming a failed state. The ANC, in power for decades, has failed to stimulate economic growth or effectively address the energy crisis, casting doubt on their ability to turn things around. The outcome of the 2024 election will play a significant role in determining the country's future. The ANC might retain power, potentially forming a coalition with either the Democratic Alliance or the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). An ANC-EFF coalition, given the EFF's radical views and statements, could be particularly detrimental to the stability of the South African state. 0:00 - Introduction 1:37 - Chapter 1:Corruption and Political instability 3:59 - Chapter 2: Energy crisis 6:11 - Chapter 3: Lobbies ruling the roost 7:02 - Chapter 4: Civil war imminent? 8:31- Chapter 5: Fail state the fate forward? #southafrica #energy #africa #News #SouthAfrica #Power #Energy #EnergyCrisis #Blackouts #PowerCuts #SouthAfricaProtests #johannesburg
