Johan Grobler's Blog : What can we do about the lack of power in South Africa?

Kelvin Power Station in Ekurhuleni

South-Africa is currently in great need of power, not military power, not political power, but electrical power. The reasons for this lack are many and a shame for the citizens. Let's discuss some actions we can take to help resolve this dilemma.

Grootvlei Power Station in Mpumalanga

As a believer, I know that prayer is powerful and we should not neglect this avenue. The Bible reminds us: "The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous."
Proverbs 15:29 ESV The Lord commands us to always pray: "16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances;for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 New International Version (NIV)
and in James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Eskom Transmission Lines in Tshwane

We can reduce the demand and use less electricity. We can switch of lights, shower shorter and reduce the temperature. Let's switch of the air conditioners that has become a "must".

Solar Panels in the Western Cape

We all need to pay for the electricity that we use. As a result of our sad past a culture of non payment for services still has to be eradicated. Any service we use costs money to provide. It is only just that the user of the service or commodity would pay for it!

Transmission Lines in need of maintenance!

When we come to Eskom there are many things that can be done. Competent people are key in any organisation. There are currently too many employees. The number will have to be reduced. We also need to embark on more training and education of the employees to have the necessary skills and experience to run such a huge organization. Let us pray for the employees. Many of them are hardworking and knowledgeable, but are caught in a catch-22 situation. There are middle men skimming much cream from coal and other contracts and it will have to stop. Employees must be paid what they deserve and no bonuses that are not linked to performance should be paid. Eskom must ensure it pays the many suppliers that are awaiting payment for services and goods supplied. We need to do proactive rather than reactive maintenance.

Renewable energy needs to be implemented at an ever greater speed. Solar cells have improved significantly in the last decade! There are an ever increasing number of wind turbines in South Africa.

Wind Turbine - 3MW at the Waainek Wind Farm near Grahamstown in the eastern Cape.

We need more independent power producers. Government should expedite the implementation of existing legislation.

Details of the Waainek Wind Farm near Grahamstown in the eastern Cape.

Lastly, government who is the citizens' agent should ensure that corporate governance is brought in line with international accepted good practice. For way too long the board of ESKOM failed its duties and obligations.

"Everything will be right if everyone does his duty"3 That requires everyone, including all people of this lovely country of ours to do what we are called to do. Let's start today and not wait for tomorrow.

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