A drastic reduction of coal energy supply will come at a hefty cost for South Africa, as the country grapples to cope with growing poverty levels and record-high unemployment.

Coal has continued to confound sceptics as energy security continues to top the agenda in the global economy.

Speaking during a panel discussion with other coal industry stakeholders, as part of the virtual Joburg Indaba, on Thursday (8 October 2020), Mpumelelo Mkhabela, chairperson of mining investment firm Menar, called on coal producers to do their part in improving transparency and accountability in their relationship with Eskom.