Op-Ed: Optimism in a time of load-shedding

That things are tough at the moment in South Africa almost goes without saying. Power cuts are increasing, our economy appears to be slowing, the currency can't move off eleven to the dollar, the daily life seems to be harder, and is definitely more expensive. Eskom's board is fighting (about a New Age breakfast, nogal), the National Development Plan seems to be just a memory, our MPs think they're a circus act. So, then, is there a case for optimism? Why our future could actually be much brighter than the present? By STEPHEN GROOTES.