S Africa MPs debate energy crisis

The South African parliament has begun a special session to discuss the electricity crisis.

State electricity company Eskom began a series of rolling blackouts last week and cut power to most mines as demand outstripped supply.

Economists have also warned that the crisis could seriously disrupt South Africa's economic growth forecasts.

Minerals and Energy Minister Bujelwa Sonjica opened the at-times acrimonious parliamentary debate.

To boos and jeers, she formally apologised for the crisis which, she acknowledged, was the result of poor planning and a lack of foresight.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7218071.stm