Keeping network infrastructure services such as electricity supply, water supply and railways working is one of the most important things the government can do to keep the economy going. The private sector is becoming increasingly involved, but this is by and large still the government's responsibility. The load shedding in recent weeks, and the water shortages it has caused, show how the government is failing. Railway infrastructure has been neglected over many years and destroyed in many places, and now Transnet's workers want to strike.
* The Economics Minute is supported by the NWU Business School.
