Author: Staff Writer


Explainer Livestock drink from water source

Climate change is impacting agriculture, farmers’ livelihoods and the price of our food. Action is essential to safeguard food security.

Explainer Selection of fruits at a food market

Spiralling food prices are driving inflation and squeezing household budgets. This is exacerbating poverty, hunger and debt.

Explainer Gas burning on the hob of a cooker

Natural gas presents a risk to the success of the green energy transition, to the economy and to the country’s climate goals.

Explainer Green landscape with wind turbines in the distance. Sunlight breaking through the clouds.

Climate finance can empower South Africa to build a greener, healthier future where it costs less to keep the lights on.

Explainer Photograph of a man placing the charger in a white Nissan Leaf. Only his right arm and the right side of his body are in shot.

South Africa’s car manufacturing industry can remain a key contributor to the economy if it pivots to electric as soon as possible.

Explainer Row of electric vehicles and charging point

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. Here are the upfront and ongoing costs to expect if you make the shift.

Explainer An electric vehicle (EV) charging on a street

Lower running and maintenance costs mean EV ownership can prove an excellent investment, particularly as more affordable models become available.

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Analysts agree that natural gas is too risky for South Africa, and it is not needed for the energy transition from coal to clean.

Explainer Aerial photograph of rooftop solar panels at sunset

Renewable energy investment could go a long way to filling the gaps caused by retiring coal-fired power plants and would reduce the need for load shedding.

News & Analysis Sunset photo of massive coal plant in Mpumalanga

South Africa’s cabinet has approved the $8.5 billion (R155 billion) plan to help the country transition away from fossil fuels.

News & Analysis Wide shot of generic coal power station spewing toxic chemicals into the air

Mpumalanga province is not typically known for wind and solar generation, but there are major advantages to encroaching on coal country.

News & Analysis Close-up of petrol pumps dispending Shell fuel. A white person's right arm in a purple sleeve is holding the pump on the left.

South Africans have welcomed another month of much-needed relief at the petrol pump. But, the diesel price per litre is reversing the trend and has become more expensive. Why?

News & Analysis Looking up an glass wrapped modern office building

Time is running out for owners of large buildings to get official energy ratings.

Explainer Electricity pylons at sunset

Energy is essential for the functioning of any modern economy. South Africa’s Central Energy Fund (CEF) does the vital job of maintaining that energy supply.

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Since 2003, the South African government has been funding free electricity for the poorest households. This is because it recognises that poverty is a barrier to electricity access.

Explainer Photograph of a small green plant growing out of a jar of coins

COP26 saw South Africa make a public commitment to greening its economy. But, can non-renewable resources be part of this transition?

News & Analysis Drought-stricken barren landscape with cracked earth

The IMF is sounding the alarm as climate change threatens to worsen food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa.

Explainer Aerial photo of Cape Town lit up at night

While waiting for government measures to be implemented, many businesses are taking control of their own energy security through investment in solar.

Explainer Dry, cracked soil due to drought

A drought refers to a period of time when an area experiences lower-than-average precipitation. South Africa faces an increasing risk from drought due to climate change.

Explainer Electricity pylons against landscape

Coal’s dominance in South Africa’s electricity mix – totalling 90 per cent of electricity generation – means the rising price of coal is making bills more expensive.