South Africa has to carry out the renewable energy programme as a condition for a World Bank loan for the building of one of our new coal-fired power stations. The programme depends on providers from overseas because South Africa doesn't have a renewable industry large enough to support a national programme involving windmills and solar plants.
Unfortunately, Derby says, companies from countries such as China and Germany stand to benefit much more from this programme, financially. Just how much of South Africa's planned R900bn infrastructure spending is heading offshore for technology, machinery and other expertise that this country no longer has?
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