South Africa's president has declared a state of disaster to try to deal with an energy crisis.
Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement on Thursday gives the government additional powers to tackle crippling electricity shortages that have worsened in recent months.
He insisted South Africa would emerge with a more efficient energy network.
The president was making an annual address to parliament, which was repeatedly disrupted by the opposition.
There was chaos in the chamber before his speech. At one point members of the Economic Freedom Fighters stormed the podium, before being forced to leave.
Mr Ramaphosa also said access to the witness protection programme for whistle-blowers that exposed government corruption was under way.
But that brings little relief to those whose relatives were murdered for exposing maladministration.
To address the rising cost of living, Mr Ramaphosa extended the relief funding which is earned by more than eight million unemployed South Africans.
Latest Stories
-
MTN FA Cup: Dreams FC beat Soccer Intellectuals to make semis
51 mins -
Ayorkor Botchwey champions transformative investment, trade agenda
59 mins -
KNUST, University of Rwanda share experiences in implementation of Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
2 hours -
Top 10 most visited tourist sites in Ghana 2023
2 hours -
Cecilia Dapaah case: I will reopen investigation into alleged acts of corruption – Mahama
2 hours -
GRA boss charges customs officers to be professional ahead of 2024 general elections
2 hours -
NPP thanks stakeholders for successful Ejisu by-election
2 hours -
Bawumia promises to involve chiefs in licensing miners if elected President
2 hours -
Koda should have visited the pastor to avert the prophecy – Ajagurajah
3 hours -
Emotional support alligator taken and released in swamp
3 hours -
A mate is a mate, Bawumia can’t be in the driver’s seat – NDC Communicator
3 hours -
Over 400 million Google accounts have used passkeys, but our passwordless future remains elusive
3 hours -
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park surpasses Aburi Gardens as most visited site in 2023 – GTA
3 hours -
Third IFC EDGE Students Design Competition opens in Ghana
3 hours -
Baidoo: Disgraceful maltreatment of the Black Princesses must stop
3 hours