Introduction
Load shedding is South Africa’s struggle with the supply and demand of electricity, in which the demand outweighs the supply. In response, Eskom, a South African government-owned entity tasked with the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, switches off electricity to manage the burden on the electricity power grid. This is managed according to a timetable between different parts of the country. The contributions leading to load shedding can be attributed to the growing demand for power leading to a strain on infrastructure along with the growing population. The constant blackouts and power cuts in South Africa have been informally termed as the new normal.
Food Production Before Load Shedding
The South African production of food relies on a constant supply of electricity, load shedding and food storage facilities rely heavily on electricity, thus being able to supply not only the South African market but international markets also, in turn fuelling economic growth, strengthening South African international trades and the GDP. The machinery used in the mass production of food also relies heavily on electricity, without which the work of months or years would spoil if it cannot be preserved or processed by health and safety regulations.
Food Production During Load Shedding
Load shedding has crippled the food production sector, mostly financially as alternative methods of food production and storage had to be utilised at significant own-pocket costs. Supermarkets have resorted to switching off some fridges as the generators cannot carry the load necessary for the processing and storage of food. An example of this effect is a popular picture shared by a poultry farmer on News24 who lost 40,000 to 50,000 of his flock due to electricity grid interruptions. Countless other farmers are going through a similar fate. There has been no definite strategy or recourse provided by the government to combat these challenges.
Developments Due to Load Shedding
Load shedding has however brought light to the need for alternative power sources or storage methods. It has also increased the need for innovation such as improved generators, solar power, and inverters which are becoming popular with the minority that can afford them. However, an equitable alternative must be implemented to not further strain the food production chain. South Africans are already feeling the food prices hike straight after the effects of Covid-19 and job losses. One of the effects of load shedding is businesses finding alternative ways of utilising alternative means of energy like generators, coal, and eco-friendly products that will benefit sustainable development and reduce the carbon footprint.
As of the date of publication, a solution to load shedding has not been brought forward, thus South Africans continue to feel the strain of load shedding. Additionally, means of production have had to be adjusted to suit power cuts. South African farmers and innovators need to work together to find sustainable methods to better preserve food and to find alternative ways to keep food production going while the government continues to work towards ending load shedding.
