Focused SA Business Lens reporting and analysis on eskom and energy.
Eskom’s recovery: why better power supply does not mean cheaper electricity
Eskom’s stronger generation performance can reduce disruption and backup-power costs. It does not automatically make each unit of electricity cheaper. Eskom’s recovery raises a…
Eskom’s EAF reaches 68.2% as diesel spending drops by R4.87 billion
Eskom’s energy availability factor has reached its strongest comparable level in six years, while diesel spending fell by R4.87 billion. Here is what the…
Another Electricity Hike Is Coming for South Africans if NERSA Approves Eskom’s Plan
Eskom is proposing increases of 8.83% for its direct customers and 8.84% for municipalities from 1 April 2027. The final increases still require regulatory…
Ekurhuleni cleared to procure 2,400MW from private producers
Ekurhuleni has received approval to procure 2,400MW from private power producers, with solar, gas, waste-to-energy and new technologies in the proposed mix.
Daily Market Wrap: rand, markets and business news for 19 October 2026
The latest South African market readings, business developments and an accessible investment lesson from SA Business Lens.
South Africa needs 14,500km of new power lines — and the difficult part starts in 2028
South Africa plans exactly 14,494km of new transmission lines by 2034. Our analysis of the official schedule shows that more than 90% is planned…
Ramaphosa’s new plan aims to fix South Africa’s municipalities
South Africa’s revised local government policy targets municipal governance, financial and service-delivery failures, with implementation still to follow.
South Africa is approving more building plans but completing fewer projects
South Africa approved more building plans in early 2026, yet completed projects fell sharply. SBL explains the construction pipeline gap and why it matters.
Why South Africa’s 4.5% inflation rate may not match your household budget
South Africa’s 4.5% inflation rate is a national average. Transport, housing, insurance and borrowing costs explain why many household budgets feel under greater pressure.
SADC steps up preparations for El Niño risks in Southern Africa
The Southern African Development Community has opened a regional disaster-preparedness workshop in Johannesburg as governments and humanitarian organisations prepare for the possible effects of…
Daily Market Wrap: rand, markets and business news for 20 October 2026
The latest South African market readings, business developments and an accessible investment lesson from SA Business Lens.
Bolt launches electric-vehicle rides in Johannesburg
Bolt has launched electric-vehicle rides in selected Johannesburg areas using a Samtea-managed fleet of BYD vehicles.
Petrol levy cut by R1.50 a litre from 4 November
South African motorists will receive temporary fuel-levy relief from 4 November, with the general levy reduced by R1.50 a litre for petrol and R3…
South Africa and Uganda seek stronger trade and investment ties
South Africa and Uganda are seeking stronger trade and investment ties, with Pretoria talks focused on removing business barriers and improving connectivity.
South Africa and Mozambique strengthen fight against organised crime
South Africa and Mozambique have renewed their commitment to closer police cooperation against organised crime that crosses national borders. The commitment was reinforced during…
Oil touches $110 as supply fears raise pressure on South Africa’s fuel outlook
Oil touches $110 a barrel as supply fears grow. Here’s why Brent is rising and what it could mean for South Africa’s petrol and…
Why Would You Buy a Chinese Car Over a Toyota?
For years, the safe South African answer to the family-car question was simple: buy a Toyota. The badge stood for reliability, a large dealer…
South Africans Are Paying Twice for Services They Should Receive Once
Households pay taxes and municipal charges, then pay again for backup electricity, water, security and other private alternatives. How did this become normal?