Power cuts leave South Africans struggling in dark

South Africans are struggling in the dark to cope with increased power cuts that have hit households and businesses across the country.

The prolonged power cuts are hitting South Africans in the winter months of the Southern Hemisphere when many households rely on electricity for heat, light and cooking.

Small and large businesses have had to close down for prolonged periods or spend large amounts for diesel fuel to operate generators.

Economists said that the power cuts are costing South Africa well over $40 million per day and deterring investment.

On Friday, chief executive of the country's state-owned power utility, Eskom, said at a press conference that the crisis was receiving serious attention and that he had personally briefed President about what the company is doing to keep the lights on.