Ramaphosa assures South Africa of Christmas full of light

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has told a press conference that there would be "no dark Christmas" amidst crippling power cuts that have hit the country.

The already strained power supply has been further strained by floods in recent days which have submerged whole neighbourhoods and flooded coal mines and power stations.

The situation has halted gold and diamond production at some leading mines.

Our colleague tweeted some highlights from Mr Ramaphosa's comments:

President Cyril Ramaphosa on rolling power blackouts "Sabotage must be investigated." He said "We want security to increased so no one can sabotage the system again." There will be no dark Christmas," he added.

— Milton Nkosi (@nkosi_milton) December 11, 2019

President Cyril Ramaphosa on rolling power blackouts known here in South Africa as #Loadshedding "All leave from now is cancelled until January." He also said "Sabotage led to the loss of 2000 Megawatts." Security to be beefed up at #eskom

— Milton Nkosi (@nkosi_milton) December 11, 2019