Mobile companies such as Vodacom, MTN, and 75% state-owned Telkom are scrambling to keep their networks operational as the national power grid fails. The outages leave Africa’s most industrialized economy in the dark for up to 10 hours each day.
Three business representatives that Eskom is investing millions to install solar panels, and storage. They are also testing wind turbines in an effort to replace the increasingly erratic output of the failing state power.
In a nation where landlines are rare but more than 80% of the population has mobile internet access, crucial phone, and data services are in danger.
According to the governor of the South African Reserve Bank, the power outage and logistical challenges are expected to wipe off two percentage points of economic growth in 2018.
Attorney Mary-Jane Mphahlele, who also manages a small travel agency, experiences a decline in business when the power goes out in the city of Polokwane.
“No potential clients need to contact me… That means I can anticipate getting no further funds “One lady, age 29, stated. This is a living nightmare.
As a result of their efforts to control the issue, telecommunications companies’ operating expenses have soared. According to Vodacom and MTN representatives, network improvements and 5G deployments are on hold.
They added that they are urging the government to help alleviate the suffering by loosening restrictions that prohibit choices. Such as sharing backup power infrastructure with competitors.
Last month, MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita advised investors, Government and business must seize this opportunity together. If we do not take collective action, we face the very real risk of becoming a failed nation-state.
