Latest 1st-4th March 2023 Current Affairs News for Exam Prep

Practice Mode:
6.

Which country announced State of disaster due to electricity crisis?

A: USA
B: New Zeland
C: South Africa
D: Ukraine

The answer is: C

Explanation

South Africa has declared a "State of Disaster" due to persistent electricity shortages that have reached record levels since 2008, resulting in daily rolling blackouts this year. President Ramaphosa promised to modernize the state power provider Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. and increase generation capacity since taking office in February 2018. However, bureaucratic obstacles and government indifference have hindered many projects. The blackouts, known as "loadshedding," jeopardize the African National Congress's prospects of retaining power in the upcoming elections by significantly eroding public support. While Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe believes that the situation may be resolved within six to twelve months, Eskom Chairman Mpho Makwana has warned that blackouts will continue until at least 2025 as the utility must continue to shut down its outdated coal-fired units for maintenance.