Professor of Physics, University of Johannesburg
A lifelong academic who served stints as Dean of Science and acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic at the former Vista University in South Africa and was until recently the Head of Physics at the University of Johannesburg.
Research interests range from astrophysics through to atmospheric physics, solar energy and energy supply.
A vocal commentator on South African energy issues, especially the renewables versus nuclear debate.
Mar 28, 2024 12:04 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics
South Africa is in the middle of a deep electricity crisis. In 2023 the public, many of whom are voters, experienced the worst loadshedding to date, losing power for an average of five hours a day. The power shortages...
South Africa's new plan to end power cuts is seriously flawed. Here's why
Jan 09, 2024 23:03 pm UTC| Economy
South Africa experienced unprecedented electricity shortages in 2023 as ageing coal plants became increasingly prone to breakdowns. The country urgently needs to develop new electricity generation facilities and reduce...
South Africa power outages: some improvement but a long way to go before the grid is stable
Nov 01, 2023 07:12 am UTC| Economy
Over the past few months, South Africas power generation sector has performed better than expected. Four factors explain this: an acceleration of solar power installations, less frequent breakdowns at power stations, a...
South Africa's nuclear sector has failed its test: the Koeberg nuclear plant life extension
Aug 21, 2022 17:23 pm UTC| Science Economy
South Africas only nuclear power plant, Koeberg, has frequently been in the news in 2022, all for the wrong reasons. Its operating licence expires in 2024, and its continued operation thereafter depends on critical...
Russia's nuclear power exports: will they stand the strain of the war in Ukraine?
Mar 07, 2022 10:13 am UTC| Politics
Russias invasion of the Ukraine has led to massive sanctions and resulted in heavy blows to its economy. It has also led to unprecedented condemnation of Russias leadership, as well as growing international...
Power shortages will remain a big challenge in a post-COVID-19 South Africa
Apr 21, 2020 12:42 pm UTC| Economy
The decline in economic activity precipitated by the spread of COVID-19 and ensuing lockdown in South Africa is also affecting the countrys electricity supply dynamics. The power outages that were disrupting the economy...