Audio By Carbonatix
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
-
WPL 2025/26: Army Ladies put pressure on Hasaacas as Ampem Darkoa seal top spot
17 seconds -
Energy expert calls for urgent action to reduce Ghana’s dependence on fossil fuels
4 minutes -
Enough politics, let’s tackle the issues — Sulemana Braimah on Presidential Jet
8 minutes -
Youth unemployment remains critical issue, says Manhyia South MP
11 minutes -
MTN Ghana, Infinix team up to expand affordable smartphone ownership
23 minutes -
Mahama administration may have fueled unrealistic job expectations among youth -Manhyia South MP
25 minutes -
Ghanaian farmers still struggling to sell surplus grains – AGRA Food Security Monitor Report
25 minutes -
Prices of major food grains remain stable in Ghana – AGRA Food Security Monitor
33 minutes -
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah calls government’s security recruitment exploitative
35 minutes -
WPL 2025/26: Samartex, Oak Ladies survive relegation as Halifax and Intellectuals drop
45 minutes -
Princess Burland carries Women of Valour’s message home from London
1 hour -
Government Re-entry into Domestic Bond Market: ‘Is It a ‘Way Forward’ or a ‘Path to Debt Overhang’?
1 hour -
MTN FA Cup: Medeama set up Dreams FC semifinal clash, Nations face Aduana
1 hour -
Gridlock as governance failure: A long-term policy framework for Accra’s traffic crisis
2 hours -
Jannik Sinner becomes youngest player to win all six ATP Masters 1000 hard court tournaments
2 hours