An Analysis of the Policy Framework on Electricity in South Africa: A Public Interest Approach

Abstract

The policy framework on electricity in South Africa includes government’s intention to provide quality and affordable electricity to the people. This article focuses on the issues that affect electrification and their impact towards the goal of achieving universal access to quality and affordable electricity in the country from a policy perspective. The provision of electricity to the poor and previously disadvantaged communities is a matter of social welfare in the country. Hence, the electricity-related policy issues are examined in the context of public interest. In South Africa the identification of limited availability of electricity as a public problem by the post 1994 ANC government has led to an integrated policy framework which focuses on balancing economic concerns with social and environmental considerations. The methodological approach allows for an in depth textual study on the post 1994 electricity policy documents and the examination of issues relating to the provision of quality and affordable electricity to the people, especially the previously disadvantaged South Africans. The article posits that good governance has enabled for the identification of issues relating to sustainable public interests. These public interests include social equity, poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability and government also using public sector agencies to play key roles in service delivery. Through this article, the author intends to make a contribution towards the body of knowledge pertaining to the niche areas of poverty alleviation and socio-economic development in the discipline of public administration.

Key words: Electricity, universal access, reconstruction and development, social equity