No worries, Alec Erwin will work overtime

As predicted, South African industry is showing signs of being hit hard by the electricity crisis that came to a head early this year. Gold Fields has issued results including a warning that despite a soaring gold price, which normally would make marginal mines profitable, it might have to close those mines because of the 10% electricity cuts it is being forced to make. It operates some of the deepest mines in the world, where life isn’t all that pleasant at the best of times, and is downright deadly without air and water being pumped into and out of the shafts.

It’s worth pulling this story from a major international newspaper, because that makes a point in itself.

Production, the fourth-largest gold producer in the world predicts, will be 20% to 25% down on the previous quarter, and will remain 15% to 20% down for the foreseeable future. Not surprisingly, this brings into jeopardy almost 10 000 jobs — some 18% of the workforce. And Gold Fields isn’t alone in this predicament.

Yet Alec Erwin, the communist unionist in charge of public enterprises — which includes the rather un-enterprising electricity monopoly — told us, not long ago, that despite the power cuts and rationing, “The growth of South Africa’s economy at the current healthy levels can continue.”

What a relief. Presumably, Erwin will put in some extra time to make up for those lost rands of Gross Domestic Production. Perhaps he can also make available, say, 9 700 gardening jobs, paying enough to support a family or so each. He’ll pull through. I have every confidence in his leadership, since his boss clearly does.

PS. Because of other obligations, I’m rather infrequently connected just at the moment. There’s plenty to rant about, but this week will probably be quiet around here. Never fear, though. I’ll catch up.