Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa recently announced that South Africans experienced 600 hours less load shedding over the past three months than they did in the same period last year. And while this has been welcomed, the threat of load shedding still persists with varying levels expected over the course of 2024. In response, a growing number of South Africans are turning to rooftop solar to mitigate the impacts.
Nowadays, the phrase ‘home is where the tech is’ defines modern living, as South Africans increasingly adopt smart home innovations. These advancements are continuing to adapt and evolve in their capabilities which not only improve convenience and security but can also decrease energy consumption, contributing to cost savings.
Renewable energy capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to nearly double by 2027, with the addition of over 40 GW from alternative power sources. More than 60% of this growth will be derived from South Africa, largely due to its Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP).
With a projected annual growth rate of 13.28%, the South African IoT market is set to reach a staggering US$11.32 billion by 2028. This rise is largely credited to the commercial, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors which are already harnessing intelligent water and energy management solutions.
The reduction in load shedding of late has left South Africans unsure about how to feel. Eskom has attributed the drop to Stages 3 and 4 to citizens heeding the call to use electricity sparingly.