Cyril Ramaphosa scraps Davos plans over energy crisis at home

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has cancelled plans to take part in World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos because of the energy crisis affecting the country.

Vincent Magwenya, spokesman of the South African president said Ramaphosa will remain home to hold talks with Eskom and political leaders. Earlier reports said he would lead a government delegation to the WEF event in the Swiss Alps.

The country is experiencing record blackouts due to troubles at state-owned power utility Eskom over the past 12 months.

“Due to the ongoing energy crisis, President Cyril Ramaphosa has cancelled his visit to the World Economic Forum in Davos,” Magwenya wrote on Twitter.

“Currently the President is convening a meeting with leaders of political parties represented in parliament, NECCOM (National Energy Crisis Committee) and the Eskom board.” Eskom has been for years unable to provide steady energy to the country over ageing coal power infrastructure.

The rainbow nation has to bear with scheduled blackouts that can last 12 hours a day. The blackouts have cost the country hundreds of millions of dollars in lost output, disrupting commerce and industry.

The opposition leading party, the Democratic Alliance, called on Saturday, on South Africans to join a protest march to “voice their anger” at the situation, Africa News reported.