By Alec Hogg
Will spend today in a forum on energy hosted by ENS, the largest independent legal firm on the continent (650 lawyers, 220 partners, they tell me). It promises to improve our collective knowledge base in an area most of us tended to ignore. That was until the Eskom-centred crisis hit.
My pre-forum research suggests it should be so different. Our part of the world is richly endowed in everything required for cheap power – coal, hydro, gas, sunshine and wind. But our region is also cursed with bureaucrats who think they know better. And a raft of destructive, self-interested policies within SADC states that blocks regional co-operation which would deliver huge benefits for all.
No crisis should be wasted. Hopefully the ENS forum, instigated by the UK High Commission, will spark steps to ensure this one isn’t.
Yesterday’s top stories:
Gautrain extends airport service, now serving OR Tambo 16 hours a day
Get rich with China’s richest man. Here’s how we can all get in on the action
Eight tips to maximise property price: Wealth-building in real estate
World’s best investor: Why index trackers rock
Tsunami of sovereign wealth funds threatens world markets, say investors
