The Eastern Cape’s King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality announced an electricity tariff hike of 11.03%, effective from 1 July. (Luba Lesolle/Gallo Images)
Small businesses in Mthatha fear operating at a loss after the Eastern Cape’s King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality announced an electricity tariff hike of 11.03%, effective from 1 July.
Mthatha businessman Vuyisile Ntlabathi, who represents many small businesses in the area as president of the Eastern Cape Chamber of Business, said many businesses were already struggling with unreliable electricity supply in the area.
“Electricity is unreliable in Mthatha, and many small businesses have suffered as a result. This increase in electricity tariffs is a blow and will lead to many businesses closing. Our town is known for criminal activities and our fear is that crime might worsen in the coming months as a result of unemployment,” said Ntlabathi.
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