Blackouts, long a problem in South Africa, reached a new level of crisis in recent months, affecting every facet of life. South Africans call it “loadshedding.” The state-owned power supplier, Eskom, is crippled by dilapidated plants and corruption. But it has a near monopoly. In a Johannesburg high-rise, residents navigate 16 flights of stairs by flashlight. Using the elevator is a gamble. A man was trapped between floors for two hours. With traffic lights dead, traffic is gridlocked at intersections throughout the city. Volunteers jump in to keep things flowing. Meals are planned around the blackouts. The Seitelo family’s chicken was still raw when the power cut out. So the family ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Some family members went to bed by 6 p.m. One daughter, Thalefong, stayed up and studied for her final-year exams by candlelight. Eating out isn’t always the solution. Many restaurants have closed, […]