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

Manufacturing Slips: June Absa PMI Signals Q2 Strain

Absa Economist Sello Sekele unpacks June’s PMI decline from 50.8 to 47.3, the impact of easing Middle East tensions on fuel prices, the sharp drop in purchasing price pressures, weakening demand as buyers delay purchases, and why employment and inventories point to continued strain in South Africa’s manufacturing sector.
2 Jul 1PM 12 min

Tax Season Scams: AI Fraud, WhatsApp Spoofing & Digital Red Flags

Cybercriminals are exploiting tax‑season anxiety with AI‑generated phishing emails, cloned SARS websites, WhatsApp spoofing and payroll‑related scams. Lucas Molefe explains why 2026 is a high‑risk year, how scammers mimic official communication, and the digital hygiene habits that protect your identity and refund. Essential listening for every taxpayer.
2 Jul 1PM 9 min

Tax Season 2026: Must-Knows with Commissioner Dr. Johnstone Makhubu

SARS Commissioner Dr. Johnstone Makhubu unpacks the 2026 Filing Season, from the phased rollout and enhanced risk engine to the rise of auto‑assessments. He explains how taxpayers should interpret assessments, and navigate a more targeted audit environment. A clear, practical guide to filing smarter this year.
2 Jul 12PM 17 min

The Second Bond: The Hidden Costs Homebuyers Miss

Jonathan Kohler exposes the “second bond” — the monthly bill homeowners face before paying their actual home loan. From R4,000–R7,000 in Johannesburg and Cape Town to over R11,500 in Umhlanga, we unpack levies, utilities, maintenance, special levies and municipal tariffs that determine true affordability. A must‑listen for buyers, investors and…
1 Jul 1PM 27 min

SA New Vehicle Sales post strongest June result since 2007

South Africa’s new vehicle market delivered a standout June performance despite inflation, fuel price spikes and weaker consumer confidence. Dr Paulina Mamogobo, Chief Economist at NAAMSA, breaks down the domestic resilience, export pressures, shifting macroeconomic signals, and what these trends mean for the industry heading into the second half of…
1 Jul 12PM 20 min