In a bid to mitigate South Africa’s persistent power shortages, China has generously donated a consignment of 450 gasoline generators to the country.
Although the generators have already arrived in South Africa, the official handover is scheduled for Thursday, with Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa set to receive them.
The presidency announced on Tuesday that these generators are intended to serve as backup solutions, alleviating the impact of power outages on essential services such as clinics, schools, and courts.
This donation falls under the Technical Assistance Programme established between China and South Africa during the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August. As part of this agreement, China pledged emergency equipment valued at 167 million rand ($8.9 million; £7 million) and a developmental grant amounting to 500 million rand.
South Africa has grappled with chronic power cuts, known as load-shedding, in recent years, causing immense inconvenience and frustration. These outages have left millions without electricity for substantial durations, reaching up to 10 hours daily in various cities and towns across the country.
