A storm is brewing in South Africa
South Africa is at a critical juncture, as the deteriorating state of public service delivery heightens the likelihood of widespread social unrest.
Experts and industry leaders alike have raised alarm over the country’s faltering infrastructure, from electricity and water supply to transportation systems. With dysfunction impacting daily life and economic activity, discontent among citizens continues to grow.
DRDGold CEO Niel Pretorius described the state of service delivery in South Africa as “shocking” at the end of last year and warned that no resolution appeared to be in sight.
His concerns echo findings from the South African Institution of Civil Engineering’s (SAICE) infrastructure report card, which last year gave the country its worst-ever overall rating of “D.”
This grade signifies infrastructure that is “at risk of failure,” underscoring systemic neglect and mismanagement over the years.
Transport infrastructure offers a stark illustration of the problem.
While national roads received a relatively positive B+ score, other categories, including provincial and municipal roads, were deemed severely at risk.
Rail infrastructure paints an even bleaker picture: while the Gautrain and heavy freight lines were rated well, general freight and passenger lines operated by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) were labelled “unfit for purpose.”
This dysfunction hampers economic growth and deepens public frustration.
Recently, the ratings agency S&P Global placed an embattled state-owned logistics company, Transnet, on CreditWatch.
It was noted that social and governance factors weighed negatively on Transnet’s rating.
Social risks, such as unrest and infrastructure damage from crime, pose safety and operational challenges. For instance, in 2021, train derailments and a cyberattack disrupted operations.
Governance issues, including past mismanagement and misconduct under the former board, have hurt the company’s efficiency.
S&P emphasised that while improvements have been made, ongoing executive turnover and governance reforms will be key to ensuring long-term stability and stronger risk management.
Compounding the situation is a worsening water crisis, particularly in Gauteng, South Africa’s economic hub.
As water levels in the Vaal Dam, the region’s primary source, continue to decline, the Department of Water and Sanitation has resorted to emergency measures such as releasing water from the Sterkfontein Dam.
This patchwork response has done little to alleviate fears of looming “water-shedding,” where supply is cut off to neighbourhoods on a rotational basis—a concept eerily reminiscent of load shedding, the rolling blackouts that have plagued South Africa for years.
Experts warn that water-shedding could prove even more disastrous than electricity shortages.
Political analyst RW Johnson highlights the unique challenges of water dependency, noting that while wealthier households can invest in private energy solutions like solar panels, similar alternatives for water access are prohibitively expensive.
Benoit Le Roy of Water Ledger has further cautioned that interrupting water supply could damage infrastructure, worsening the crisis.
The ripple effects on economic activity, particularly in water-reliant industries, could intensify public outrage.
This anger has already boiled over into protests in 2024, with several communities rallying against service delivery failures.
In some instances, frustrations over intermittent water supply and prolonged power outages have turned violent, leading to the destruction of property and clashes with law enforcement.
Social unrest is becoming increasingly commonplace as residents demand accountability from local municipalities and the national government.
Adding fuel to the fire are proposed electricity price hikes by Eskom, the embattled national power utility.
In September, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) announced steep increases in electricity tariffs, with Eskom seeking an average rise of over 35% for the 2025 financial year.
For communities already grappling with inflation and unemployment, these hikes represent an unbearable burden.
Human Rights Commission chair Chris Nissen has warned that such drastic increases could spark widespread unrest as impoverished households struggle to afford basic necessities.
Critics argue that South Africans are being forced to pay for years of mismanagement and corruption at the utility, further eroding public trust.
The confluence of these crises—water shortages, unaffordable electricity, and crumbling transport infrastructure—has created fertile ground for opportunistic actors to exploit grievances, such as the water tanker mafias plaguing water-scarce areas.
Discontent with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) is rising, with predictions that Gauteng, a historical stronghold, may swing to opposition parties if the crises remain unaddressed.
South Africa’s current trajectory is unsustainable. Without urgent intervention and structural reforms, the nation risks descending into greater instability.
The consequences of inaction are dire, not only for its citizens but for the broader economy, as the country grapples with the compounding impacts of inadequate service delivery.
Loading ...
