Ongoing government enforced blackouts and inflationary pressures are contributing to an uncertain and highly volatile environment for the South African agricultural sector.

In line with the National Development Plan, investment in infrastructure remains a policy priority with public-sector infrastructure investment plans totalling R987.4 billion over the medium term.

Government is working hard to promote greater private sector investment in a range of sectors.

Efforts are being stepped up to alleviate electricity supply constraints, with government preparing to expand the Independent Power Producer (IPP) initiative, said National Treasury.

Cape Town trade and investment head Lance Greyling says that the metro has made submissions to the Independent Power Producers office, expressing its desire to purchase 300MW of gas-fired power.

Eskom says it is set to continue with planned maintenance during the winter months, while the power utility also dispelled prospects of a total electricity blackout.