SA-TIED seminar series: Economic and health impacts of reducing load shedding in Cape Town-policy insights for future resilience

Join us for a session of the SA-TIED Seminar Series focused on the economic and health effects of reducing load shedding in Cape Town. Led by Joshua Budlender from the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) at the University of Cape Town, this seminar will explore his recent Working Paper titled "Surviving in the dark: The mortality effects of reducing rolling blackouts." Joshua will present findings on how a unique policy in Cape Town to lessen the severity of load shedding significantly decreased premature mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly.

Key discussion points

• Economic and health impacts: Insights into how mitigating load shedding in specific regions influenced economic and health outcomes;
• Policy implications: An analysis of the conditions under which the mitigation policy was effective and how similar strategies could be applied to strengthen resilience in other areas;
• Equity and access: The challenges of unequal policy implementation and its implications for social and economic inequalities in Cape Town; and
•  Broader developmental impacts: Understanding the significance of reliable electricity supply for economic and social development.

This virtual seminar is ideal for policymakers, researchers, practitioners, academics, and anyone interested in the intersections of energy policy, public health, and economic development. Registered participants will receive login details prior to the event.

Register here