The Covid-19 virus and destructive consequences of the pandemic seem far from over, with 2021 bringing about more of the same challenges as previously experienced in 2020 (Paulise, 2021).

South Africa has begun experiencing load shedding early in the year, with high levels of power failures throughout the country ranging for up to four and a half hours per area, per day (McKane, 2021).

The consequences of facing the Covid-19 virus as well as experiencing limited electricity due to the four-hour load shedding allocation has exacerbated business struggles twofold (IOL, 2020). As South Africans continue to rely on a failing traditional grid, one should consider the emotional impact such challenges have on the social economy of a country, to which extent and how to resolve these challenges.

“The COVID-pandemic has led to prolonged exposure to stress, trauma and depression”. “Businesses and families, which are already crippling because of lockdown restrictions, might be facing the final straw.” – Tucker and Czapla (2021). 

Eskom (The South African public electricity utility) recently stated that it has been unable to supply the necessary electricity to meet current demand due to 48 employees testing positive for Covid-19 at the Medupi Station (EWN, 2021).  

It is also worth mentioning that Eskom won the Global Power Company of the year award less than 20 years ago and the procurement of new power stations ought to have been implemented in the past (Mavuso, 2021). The overreliance on old plants, combined with the current Covid-19 pandemic has allowed for households and businesses to consider becoming completely independent from the failing traditional grid (Trace, 2021). Eskom has failed to put adequate measures in place such as building and maintaining electrical infrastructure to allow for uninterrupted electricity and job creation (BusinessTech, 2019).

South Africa is left with the harsh reality that little can be done to resolve load shedding in the short run. However, it is highly recommended that Government considers capital re-allocation to a greener economy, with sound economic and social justification, instead of further investing in the failing traditional grid.

According to Arruda (2020), it is necessary for essential services and operating businesses alike to help reduce such anxiety and stress for all clients during these energy challenging times.

U Tech Dynamix utilities management remains an essential service, fully operational during the Covid-19 pandemic. We assisted businesses, and commercial properties by removing any further unnecessary stress for clients by guiding and managing their utilities for the joint Landlord and Tenant benefit, recognizing the ecosystem from the first principles of business.

Book a consultation with U Tech Dynamix: info@utechdynamix.co.za