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

South African employment improves, but youth concerns persist

South Africa’s latest employment numbers are out, with Stats SA reporting an improvement of 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2025. Nkosinathi Mahlangu, Head of the Youth Employment Portfolio at Momentum Group, argues that employer-driven opportunities are needed to give young people a real foothold in the economy.
31 Mar 4PM 9 min

SA fuel stations under pressure

Petrol stations are running dry nationwide as motorists rush to fill up ahead of record fuel price hikes expected from 1 April. South Africa braces for record fuel price hikes on April 1. To help address public concerns, we spoke to Avhapfani Tshifularo, Chief Executive of the Fuels Industry Association…
31 Mar 4PM 17 min

Key takeaways from South Africa’s 2026 Investment Conference

South Africa wants to move from promises to performance, and it’s aiming big — R2 trillion in new investment commitments over the next five years. For these and other highlights from today’s South African Investment Conference, Ipeleng Selele, Chairperson, Brand South Africa, joins the show.
31 Mar 4PM 7 min

Tech at the centre of SA’s investment story

As the country hosts the 2026 South Africa Investment Conference, government leaders are emphasizing a new phase of economic resilience, diversification, and digitalization. Takealot Group CEO, Frederik Zietsman, weighs in on the digital aspect after attending the conference.
31 Mar 4PM 7 min