This paper provides empirical evidence on the determinants of energy poverty in South African households using the National Income Dynamics Survey (NIDS, 2012), while controlling for individual, household and demographic characteristics. This is formulated within a logistic regression framework, while defining energy poverty using the expenditure approach consistent with the definition by the Department of Energy (DoE) of South Africa. The model reveals that household expenditure patterns, race, education level, household and dwelling size, location of the household and access to electricity are important factors in explaining the state of energy in South African households. This paper also discusses limitations in defining energy poverty using the expenditure approach. Finally, some recommendations are made for regulators and policy makers.

The paper examines the role of personal characteristics in not only determining the unemployment duration but also the probability of unemployment terminating with transitions into wage‐employment, self‐employment or higher education. Formulated within the survival analysis framework using the Labour Market Entry Survey, this study provides the first empirical evidence on black youth unemployment duration in South Africa. The results of the analysis indicate non‐monotonic duration dependence with other individual, household and locational covariates exerting very different impacts on the state‐specific exit rates from unemployment for both young men and women. The scarring impact evident in negative duration dependence and gender‐specific findings point to the need for more informed policy formulation.

Poor delivery of infrastructure leads to inefficient pricing of these assets, which is passed through to consumers. Inefficient pricing is caused by a poor selection of a funding and financing method as well as project overruns. This article used a case-study approach to investigate if South African (SA) infrastructure projects were executed efficiently. It was found that the procurement method was not a reason for inefficient infrastructure delivery. Further, SA projects overran significantly by between 5 and 58%. The case of Transnet’s pipeline project was highlighted. Two case studies (Gautrain and e-tolls) are presented to highlight issues around funding. It was found that the user-pays mechanism of funding is efficient only if there is complete transparency and communication between the user of the infrastructure and other stakeholders. Given the findings, this paper ends with policy recommendations for regulators of utilities that will ensure that consumers are protected.

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