The inclusion of development projects in Mpumalanga is an attempt to cushion that region from the economic impact of facilities closing down. Almost all of South Africa’s electricity — more than 80% of which comes from coal — is generated in the province.

While South Africa and Russia back the addition of new members, India is wary of the group becoming a mouthpiece for China, and Brazil is worried about alienating the West.

Two more countries - Zimbabwe and Ethiopia - have signed agreements with Russia to cooperate on the peaceful use of nuclear technology on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, which has been taking place in St Petersburg.

Unemployment in South Africa is already among the highest of more than 80 nations

The recommendations come at a time when South Africa is suffering its worst ever power cuts, with blackouts of more than 10 hours a day and a slowing economy, and is opening up the electricity generation industry to private operators.

Regardless of how this breakdown occurred, it is the symptom of greater issues with South Africa’s energy infrastructure.

Africa’s ability to leapfrog traditional power systems and adopt renewables on a massive scale is not a fantasy. In-depth studies from Wärtsilä have demonstrated that with the adequate support of flexible power technologies, ambitious renewable energy objectives in Africa are not only achievable, they also represent the soundest and cheapest strategy for the successful electrification of the continent.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a state of disaster to enable the government to accelerate its response to an ongoing energy crisis, and said he’ll appoint a minister in his office who will focus on boosting the power supply.

It is no secret that the coal industry has a powerful presence in South Africa. The state-owned utility Eskom is the largest contributor to our country's greenhouse gas emissions.

The thermal coal volume traded between Mozambique and India for November and December has been comparable with volumes sourced from South Africa.

South Africa's electricity generation is dominated by coal - Koeberg supplies about 5%.

South Africa also aims to become a world-leading exporter of hydrogen.

Energy buyers in Europe have been eagerly anticipating production from Eni SpA’s project in Mozambique’s northern waters to help ease the global gas shortage ahead of the crucial winter heating season.

Sources said Pakistan is looking at countries like Afghanistan and Tajikistan given the significant price difference compared to the South African coal, which accounts for around 70% of Pakistan's imports.

The goal of the National Infrastructure Plan 2050 (NIP 2050) is to create a foundation for achieving the NDP’s vision of inclusive growth.