South African actress and singer, Simz Ngema, has taken to social media to express her concerns over the ongoing loadshedding crisis in the country. In a series of posts, Ngema detailed the challenges faced by small businesses, especially those in the township economy, due to the frequent power outages.
Ngema’s outcry was sparked by a personal experience when she visited a friend’s hair salon. The salon, like many other small businesses, was grappling with the effects of loadshedding. “I went to my friend’s salon to do my hair and there was load shedding. I watched him struggle to get fuel for his generator,” she shared on her Instagram reel. The video, which has garnered significant attention with over 137,000 views, emphasized the struggles of entrepreneurs trying to make a living without relying on government opportunities. Yet, they are hampered by the very government’s inability to provide consistent electricity.
The actress further criticized the government’s approach to the energy crisis, stating that while they are engrossed in political campaigns, they are failing to provide tangible solutions or hope to the citizens. “All we want is for the government to supply citizens with the electricity that they are paying for. These conversations are draining, but we need to hold our government accountable,” Ngema expressed.
The impact of loadshedding on small businesses is undeniable. Reports indicate that 64% of small businesses have to halt their operations during power outages. This not only affects their revenue but also the mental well-being of business owners. The ‘Impact of loadshedding on small businesses in the township economy 2023 report’ highlighted the severe consequences of these outages on the entrepreneurial spirit in the country.
Social media users have rallied behind Ngema, praising her for using her platform to shed light on this pressing issue. Many echoed her sentiments, emphasizing the need for government accountability and the dire need for sustainable solutions to the energy crisis. Some users also pointed out the irony of paying for electricity that is seldom available, with bills skyrocketing despite the inconsistent supply.
