With the cold months once again upon us this is typically a time for wrapping up warmly and staying indoors, with the comfort of a cup of tea, a warm meal or a hot shower. These seemingly simple things are often replicated in millions of households across the country, and this drives up the demand for electricity.
Water is the one thing we cannot do without, and this precious life-giving source must be protected. South Africa is a water scarce country, and this resource is under threat from factors such as climate change, population growth and rapid urbanisation. It is therefore crucial that we all work towards ensuring water security by protecting and managing our nation’s water resources carefully.
During the recently concluded National Water Week from 20 - 26 March 2025, and especially on World Water Day on 22 March 2025, we paused to reflect on the central nature of water to all life.
For years we have been told that South Africa is a water scarce country. However, this warning often goes unheeded, and people continue with their daily lives, totally unconcerned about water use. The reality only hits home when communities are directly impacted as in the case right now in Gauteng.
South Africa is on a path to transform its electricity system that will in future end load shedding and ultimately lower the price of electricity for all South Africans. The recent signing into law of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act creates a competitive and sustainable electricity sector that meets our nation’s energy needs.
South Africa is exploring various new ways of easing the strain on the national grid during periods of high energy demand. It is part of government’s commitment to tap into all available avenues to help get us through our energy crunch.
Water is a precious resource and no one can survive without it. It is critical for our health, growing food and economic development. It is therefore crucial that we continue to protect and manage this precious resource so that we can have enough for all of us and generations to come.
Bridges are more than crossings – they connect people and communities and multiply the potential for growth by expanding access to social economic and cultural opportunities.
The launch of the Lufhereng Social Housing Project in Soweto last year gave effect to the promise of the Freedom Charter on housing. The Charter, which was drafted in 1955, states that “all people shall have the right to live where they choose, be decently housed, and to bring up their families in comfort and security”.
A suite of interventions under our country’s Energy Action Plan are being diligently implemented by government to turnaround our country’s energy challenge. Despite our best efforts, we do experience temporary setbacks like earlier this month when we experienced Stage 6 loadshedding.
Energy is one of the most precious commodities we possess and therefore it is the duty of all citizens to conserve this resource, especially for those darker days when it is needed the most.
If everyone plays their part by observing energy saving initiatives we can navigate through the cold winter days to come. Ultimately, we want everyone to adopt an energy saving lifestyle.
It encourages South Africans to adopt an energy saving lifestyle and draws all citizens together as part of a common to keep the lights on.
