Poor planning leaves motorists stranded.
South Africa suffered a fuel crisis last week due to poor planning caused by the government's intended "clean fuel" programme.It seems that refiineries were gearing up for a clean fuel introduction and forgot about yesterday's needs, today's needs, or next week's for that matter. A fuel crisis is common in Zimbabwe and other under-developed countries in Africa but when it happens in the Economic Giant of Africa, questions need to be asked. Energy Minister Lindiwe Hendriks is patting herself on the back for 'getting the country back to normal' after airlines were stranded and motorists found dry pumps at every fifth petrol station (iafrica News and Mernews reports). Her department, however, is not feeling so jubilant. They have erred to the extent that South African motorists have been virtually stranded.
Ms Hendriks should know that SAA and other airlines are considering suing the government over their inability to fly, in particular from Cape Town International. She should also consider that she and her department are responsible for the biggest fuel crisis in South Africa since 1973 when the highways emptied due to the energy crisis. She should be aware that if a clean fuel programme is to be initiated then the old fuel programme should remain in place. She needs to get her act together as the Republic Of South Africa is a proud country usually at the forefront of any economic development in Africa.
In fact, bearing in mind that South Africa's economy is streaks ahead of those in Egypt, Nigeria and Angola, none of those aforementioned countries are anywhere near a fuel crisis.
It is a disgrace that an economic powerhouse such as South Africa should find itself in such a position and I feel that heads should roll to avoid such embarrassment in the future.