Power shortages

South Africa is hit by severe power cuts with many of the country’s mines closing. The crisis has raised fears in some quarters about the impact on foreign investment, especially as the country gears up to host the 2010 soccer World Cup.

 

South African president has admitted that the government failed to maintain its infrastructure adequately despite earlier warnings. 

 

The current power shortage in South Africa, energy expert say, is part of a larger shortage of energy in the African continent.

 

Many governments say they are working to address the crisis through new investments in energy production. But the question remains- How long would that take?

 

Inside Story asks: Who is to blame in the current crisis? And what’s the fallout on the economies of the region and world markets?

 

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This episode of Inside Story aired on Thursday, January 31, 2008