South Africa has grappled with persistent power cuts for years. Despite extensive planning by the government, the country has not found a lasting solution.

Many of the challenges stem from poor-functioning coal power plants and Eskom's insufficient infrastructure to integrate renewable projects into the grid.

In 2003, the government published its first official commitment to renewable energy. Its white paper on climate change in 2011 marked the first mention of a ‘just transition’ in South African policy. Five years later, the country signed the Paris Agreement, putting it under international pressure to move away from its dependence on coal.

This timeline captures key legislation, milestones and policies that are shaping South Africa's shift to a more sustainable and inclusive low-carbon economy.