Around 66% of township businesses have cut jobs due to load shedding, a report has found.

Loading player...
GUEST – Bulelani Balabala – Founder of Township Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA)

Almost two-thirds of township businesses have been forced to shed jobs because of load shedding, according to a new report. But business owners say the situation is even direr – they face closing if the power outages continue.

According to the Nedbank Insights Report, conducted in partnership with the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance (TEA), 64% of small township businesses cease operations during load shedding and almost 66% of business owners have cut jobs because of load shedding.
The jobs cuts were most visible in the food and beverage sector, as well as manufacturing.
The report also found that load shedding has led to increased operating costs, lost revenue and declining margins.
11 Apr 2023 4PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Building a Future‑Ready Mining & Energy Company: Mantengu’s Next Chapter

Mantengu CEO Magen Naidoo shares how he is steering the company into a new era — blending mining and energy strategy, people‑centred leadership, fiscal discipline and operational transformation. With 24 years of experience, including 17 at Deloitte, Naidoo discusses culture, capability building, risk management and what it takes to build…
28 Jul 1PM 16 min

AI, 4IR & Mining’s Future: Human‑Centred Innovation for Africa

RIIS energy and sustainability expert Sylvesters Okello unpacks PwC’s Ten Insights into 4IR in South African Mining. We explore CEO‑driven AI adoption, the sector’s poor data maturity, the massive digital skills gap, and why mining must embrace human‑centred technology. A powerful conversation on how AI can enhance safety, productivity and…
28 Jul 1PM 14 min

Kumba Iron Ore’s H1 Profit down 41% on Global Headwinds

Kumba Iron Ore delivered R10.9bn EBITDA despite a challenging external environment, rising unit costs and softer production. CEO Mpumi Zikalala discusses maintaining a 35% margin, navigating logistics constraints, declaring a R7.90 interim dividend, and driving sustainability — from fatality‑free operations to renewable energy integration. A deep dive into leadership, cost…
28 Jul 1PM 14 min

Mining Momentum Falters: Fuel Costs, Conflict & Commodity Pressures

South Africa’s mining sector hit its first production contraction in five months, with May down 4.5% year‑on‑year. Minerals Council Economist André Lourens breaks down the drivers behind the slowdown — from Middle East tensions disrupting global oil flows to fading commodity price support. We unpack manganese and chrome’s surprising resilience,…
28 Jul 12PM 17 min

Family Business to National Player: Anton Gillis on SA’s Hospitality Future

Platinum Hospitality Holdings is set to announce Anton Gillis as its new CEO — marking a major succession moment for one of SA’s leading family‑built hotel groups. Anton shares what the group is seeing on the ground across its national portfolio, where hospitality demand is growing, how operators are navigating…
27 Jul 1PM 15 min