South Africa’s Ramaphosa declares ‘state of disaster’ amid electricity crisis

Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his State of the Nation address (GCIS via AP)

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a state of disaster with immediate effect to deal with the country’s severe electricity crisis, including prolonged daily power blackouts.

“Extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary measures. The energy crisis is an existential threat to our economy and social fabric,” said Mr Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation address.