The US embassy has urged its citizens travelling to or living in South Africa to stockpile food and water amid the “ongoing power crisis” and warned of the potential for riots.
The security alert, issued on February 15 after President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a state of disaster during his state of the nation address, advised staff and travellers to “memorise family members’ phone numbers, maintain 72-hours’ worth of supplies at home by stockpiling nonperishable food, 3l of drinking water per person per day and medicines and first aid supplies”.
Embassy spokesperson David Feldmann told the Sunday Times: “When the host nation government declares a state of disaster, as the US mission we have a legal obligation to resident American citizens to call such a declaration to their attention.”
Local institutions, including the Reserve Bank, are making contingency plans for a possible total collapse of the Eskom grid.
The embassy security alert stated that “load-shedding currently results in localised power outages of up to six hours or more per day throughout the country”.
“These planned electricity outages negatively affect private residences, businesses, municipal lighting, traffic lights and hotels. Rolling blackouts can also impact water availability and safety, internet connectivity, cellphone network coverage, fuel pumps (and therefore fuel availability), residential security features and the food supply.”
The embassy warned that load-shedding could increase the potential for crime.
“For example, traffic jams when lights are out provide opportunities for smash-and-grab crime and residences can be targeted when lights are out and security systems are not functioning.”
Civil unrest, according to the embassy, was also a possibility. “Ongoing conditions have led to an increase in protests and demonstrations, and in some cases civil unrest, throughout the country.”
The notice advised US citizens to prepare for the worst by having a communications plan for when there is no, or limited, power, and identifying “safe areas around the city, these could include hotels, hospitals, churches or police stations that may not lose power”.
The embassy recommended that staff and US citizens take further precautions:
- Be aware of your surroundings;
- Review your personal security plans;
- Ask about backup power at “your place of lodging”;
- Avoid demonstrations;
- Exercise caution around large gatherings or protests; and
- Monitor local media for updates.
In October last year, the embassy sparked government outrage when it issued a warning to US citizens of a possible terror attack in Sandton.
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