The last few weeks have been dominated by news of the country's energy crisis. Every South African has debated the looming "dark days" ahead, and what they will spell for the country's future.
However, one important voice seems to be missing from this debate - that of government. Yes, public enterprises minister Alec Erwin has declared the situation a "national emergency", Thabo Mbeki has half-heartedly apologised, and here and there government officials have uttered the occasional few words.
But what is seriously lacking is a solid statement of intent from government and this, unfortunately, again highlights the lack of accountability and transparency of the current dispensation.
The bottom line is: South Africans need some reassurance that government is on top of the situation, that it is aware that an economic crisis is looming and that it is doing something to deal with the problem before it escalates into a major disaster.
So far, contradictory statements and blatant lies have left the impression that government is either unwilling, or unable, to commit to a plan of action. Worse still, it creates the impression that government is clueless as what to do.
Why is Eskom CEO Jacob Maroga refusing to be interviewed on TV? Surely, he is the man in the hot seat, who should be answering the questions - even if these are uncomfortable.
Why has Eskom said it had already cut power supply to neighbouring countries, only to change its tune? Why did it sign supply deals with no less than five countries at the beginning of the year, knowing it cannot keep the lights on at home?
If this is a national emergency, why are the nation's best interests not coming first? Does charity not start at home?
Is it true that Eskom is generating 9 000MW less than it should be, because of inadequate maintenance and a shortage of skills?
Punish the consumer
Contradictory statements and blatant lies have left the impression that government is either unwilling, or unable, to commit to a plan of action.
Martin Czernowalow, news editor, ITWeb
These are only some of the questions that Eskom and government are dodging. Instead, government has so far crippled the mining industry, and is threatening to introduce electricity quotas - from March - which means consumers will carry the burden of Eskom and government's failures. This is hardly encouraging.
In addition, consumers face the prospect of electricity tariff increases of between 14% and 20% - for a service that cannot even be guaranteed.
So far, government has only sworn blind that the economy will not be affected, investors will not be spooked and the country is no danger of suffering any long-term damage. None of this is affecting the 2010 World Cup either, we have been told. Unfortunately, little of substance has been put on the table to back up these claims.
Sure, every stadium will be fitted with generators - but how is the lack of energy supply affecting the construction of stadiums, the technology roll-out around this huge event, or even the Gautrain project? The list goes on.
Last year, I wrote a column slamming Eskom's underhand tactics in trying to hide the power crisis from a visiting FIFA delegation. Unfortunately, my misgivings about our ability to pull off the World Cup, earned me some serious backlash. I was accused of being a racist, disgruntled white male, who should pack his bags and leave. I was attacked for having the audacity to point out that perhaps things aren't running as smoothly as they should.
Well, things have gotten worse since last year. This opinion piece is not about black or white, rich or poor, pro- or anti-ANC. It merely expresses the frustrations and uncertainty felt by many, while some are spinning lies and shrugging off responsibility.
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