At the end of December 2015, Kariba reservoir was about 14 per cent full, compared with 51 per cent a year earlier, and hydropower generation was at a minimum. Power cuts now average 10-14 hours a day, affecting industries, commerce and domestic customers. If the dry spell continues, it is likely to force a shutdown of hydropower plants (Business Report, South Africa 11 January 2016). This has led to public outcry and anger against the national utility, necessitating a fuller investigation of the cause (EIZ, 2015).