Rumours of Stage 16 load-shedding sent shivers through WhatsApp groups across the country this week—but while Eskom says it’s “not real,” South Africans are not exactly laughing. With the grid still as shaky as a week-old koeksister, citizens and companies are getting creative (and a bit capitalist) about power resilience.
Forget fashion—solar gear is the new flex. Townships are snapping up Chinese-imported panels, inverters, and batteries like they’re vetkoek at a Saturday spaza. Informal traders have joined the energy hustle, and retailers like Pepkor (via Ackermans Connect and PEP Home) and Builders are cashing in on the DIY solar boom.
From backyard installations to Bluetooth-connected battery packs, it’s a full-on energy revolution—fueled by distrust in Eskom and a TikTok-fed appetite for independence.
Meanwhile, Sasol’s ageing coal-to-fuel plants are starting to look a little… ou toppie. Once the pride of industrial innovation, the synthetic fuel giant is now grappling with emissions targets, outdated infrastructure, and investors giving serious side-eye.
The market is clearly flirting with renewables now—wind, solar, and storage are the new “it girls” in town. And Sasol, bless, is left dusting off its carbon capture PowerPoint decks.
● Retailers: Pepkor, Builders, Leroy Merlin and Makro are leading the solar gold rush.
● Fintechs & Microlenders: More township residents are buying panels on credit—watch Capitec and African Bank.
● Sasol? Not so much. Investors are slowly shifting to green energy plays.
South Africans might be facing more blackouts, but they’re not waiting around anymore. Whether or not Stage 16 ever hits, the signal is clear: the energy game is changing, and households are ready to go off-grid if that’s what it takes.
Disclaimer:
This content has been generated using AI technology and is intended for informational purposes only. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and relevance, this text should not be considered professional advice or an official statement. Always verify information from authoritative sources before making any decisions.
