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"This country is plunging deeper and deeper into an electricity supply crisis, which is the result of a completely dysfunctional energy system," Greenpeace said.
"Indeed, Zuma can neither afford to ignore this problem nor defer it to another State of the Nation address. Now more than ever, his government needs to be innovative and ambitious," said executive director of Greenpeace Africa Michael O'Brien-Onyeka.
In 2013 South Africa invested heavily into the National Development Plan (NDP), "the roadmap to a South Africa where all will have water, electricity, sanitation, jobs, housing, public transport, adequate nutrition, education, social protection, quality healthcare, recreation and a clean environment".
"Despite shifts towards connecting more households to electricity, there are still stark inequalities in South Africa. Additionally rapidly escalating cost of this coal-based electricity that is driving many households to the edge of their limits," said O'Brien-Onyeka.
"The State of the Nation address gives the president ample opportunity to explain how the ruling party will tackle this crisis; particularly since this is an election year."
He said upscaling investments in renewable energy can fast-track South Africa's growth and development.
"More importantly, this shift would help reinstate the nation as the leading economy on the continent. Let it not be forgotten that the renewable energy sector could contribute over 148 000 jobs by 2030 if major shifts are made today, making a major contribution towards the 11 million jobs envisioned in the NDP, " he added.
"Tomorrow evening we will be looking to the president to announce decisive plans to pull South Africa back from the brink of a socio-economic crisis by committing to a bold and creative path towards a sustainable and just renewable-powered future."
