We were betrayed and deserted by security forces and politicians - Melanie Veness

It was during the height of the chaos in KwaZulu-Natal that BizNews last spoke with Melanie Veness, head of the Pietermaritzburg Business Chamber. Frightening for those affected, it now seems as if the worst might be behind for the city and other areas. But what about the cost? Veness told BizNews founder Alec Hogg that so far, the estimated cost to KZN alone is about R20 billion. "Some [business owners] have said they will start up again. Others have said, as soon as they get their payout, they're taking their money and leaving." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices