Powerless To Learn: Load-Shedding And Its Impact On Teaching And Learning In South African Schools

Abstract

This study examines the impact of load-shedding and provides insights into the detrimental consequences it has had on the South African education sector. It employed a qualitative research approach based on a social nature by exploring netizen’ (Twitter) views and opinions on the impact of load shedding on teaching and learning at the basic education level. The main finding of this study is poor governance as an underlying issue in the exacerbation of educational inequalities in South Africa. The views of netizens highlight various social ills that are widened by load-shedding, such as lack of quality education, poor academic performance in schools, digital divide, and inadequate inclusive education, among others. It has implications for energy policy development and governance. In addition, it calls for the government and Eskom to take cognisance of good governance principles. Furthermore, the paper calls for Eskom to benchmark with global energy entities in finding best practices for solving the energy crisis in the country.