Fears of a national blackout resurfaced this week as load-shedding intensified, but the telecom, retail, mining and financial services sectors have been working on scenario planning for a total grid collapse — in some cases for several years — to keep staff safe and services running.

MTN has set up “war rooms” focused on ensuring key sites remain operational, while the JSE has enough diesel to run its operations for seven days. Mines have generators to ensure mineworkers can be brought to the surface and the Reserve Bank this week disclosed it was working with the financial sector and other industries to plan for the “unlikely” event of a grid collapse...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.