James, How can one find out information about status in the countries of Southern Africa, or Africa generally (if you can manage that)? What sources (preferably online) would you recommend?

Chris Byrne

-- Anonymous, August 02, 1999

Answers

Chris

Eskom (Electricity Supply Commission of South Africa)is the fourth largest generator of electricity in the world, and it stands to reason that it is thus the largest in Africa. Anything else by comparison is a pimple on a pumpkin.

Secondly, the national network grid is of vintage design (thank goodness in times of Y2K) and there are very few numerical components which can cause interruption to the generation and / or distribution of electricity.

Eskom reported to Durban Metro Electricity, their largest customer, that as of 1999-07-01 they has completed their Y2K program and furthermore had contingency plans in place for any eventuality.

So if you are concerned about Africa, and Eskom is the biggest in Africa, then the two online web sites are www.eskom.co.za and their database of all components and the related compliancy status/readyness is at www.y2kesi.co.za.

Kind regards

James Prosser

-- Anonymous, August 03, 1999

James,

Perhaps you can clear up a question I have. You state that Eskom is the generator and Durban Metro is the customer. Does this mean that DME is not actually producing any of the electricity that is sold to the customer?

-- Anonymous, August 04, 1999

Gordon,

You are qite right. We are licenced to "distribute" power. Eskom is the ONLY generator for the whole country. The reason why we are their biggest customer is that Metro Durban covers a huge area and while Eskom also distribute into most areas, we have an 'exclusive' area.

We also, interestingly, distribute power into some Escom areas, quite remote from Durban where for political reasons, the local tribe's Headman does not want the "Government" generator to distribute the power. Strange but true.

Kind regards,

James Prosser

James

-- Anonymous, August 05, 1999

James,

Thanks for your reply. Yes, it is strange how some things come out when you have a monopoly providing any basic service. Now, I can see that you are feeling good about your own Durban progress in working out any problems from Y2k exposures. Do you feel just a confident that Eskom will be able to supply the power to you, without problems?

-- Anonymous, August 05, 1999