South Africa’s energy landscape has long been dominated by Eskom, the state-owned utility that supplies over 90% of the country’s electricity. For decades, Eskom’s monopoly has been both a blessing and a curse, providing relatively affordable power while struggling with inefficiencies, corruption, and an over-reliance on coal. However, as the world shifts toward renewable energy and South Africa faces mounting pressure to address its energy crisis, the question arises: Is Eskom’s monopoly sustainable, and how does the new energy mix fit into the equation? The Eskom Monopoly: A Legacy of Challenges Eskom’s dominance in South Africa’s energy sector has been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it has provided the country with a centralized power supply, enabling industrialization and economic growth. On the other hand, its monopoly has led to systemic issues: 1. Over-Reliance on Coal - Eskom generates approximately 80% of its electricity fro...