“We have a lot to say about loadshedding”: Exploring citizen engagements and perceptions on power cuts in South Africa

Abstract

The persistent energy crisis in South Africa, characterized by widespread loadshedding, emerged as a critical point of social and political discourse, particularly in the lead up to the 2024 general elections. Within this context, digital democracy played a pivotal role, as citizens leveraged social media platforms to voice their frustrations, demand accountability, and engage in political debates, shaping public sentiment and influencing the political landscape. This study investigates how South African citizens engaged with the loadshedding crisis on the X platform (formerly Twitter), and how these engagements reflect broader societal dynamics, including political sentiments and socioeconomic inequalities. This study applies topic modeling and narrative analysis to 4392 tweets from January 2023 to explore themes and narratives that emerged from online discussions about loadshedding. The findings reveal that citizens not only expressed frustration and blamed the ANC led government but also discussed the inequities in loadshedding schedules and shared strategies for coping with the crisis. Additionally, the study provides insight into the evolution of digital politics in South Africa, particularly how online discourse might influence political outcomes. By analyzing social media content, this research offers a deeper understanding of how crises like loadshedding serve as catalysts for public engagement and reflection on underlying social and political tensions in South Africa. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on digital democracy and crisis communication, offering a nuanced view of how citizens navigate and make sense of systemic failures in a complex and divided society.