Abstract
Loadshedding has been a perpetual problem in South Africa over the past decade. The most persistent and prolonged loadshedding was reported in 2023 with 287 days off the grid, which stifled the country’s economy. The adequate access to electricity is fundamental for the development of a country. It fosters business growth and improves the standard of living of each country. However, the inconsistent provision of energy adversely affects the business sector, including the Kota businesses in townships. Kota is a popular street sandwich sold in South African townships. It encompasses the township heritage and culture and has its roots deep in Gauteng but originally a descendent of a Bunny Chow. The Kota entails a hollowed quarter of bread with various ingredients and condiments that contributes to its savoury and hot tastes. It is a favourite among teenagers. Amidst the Kota’s ability to provide joy to those consuming it, the Kota businesses, like many other businesses, are recurrently interrupted by the occurrence of loadshedding.
Some businesses migrate or liquidate as a result of power outages, while others look for places that are partially impacted by loadshedding to remain operational and competitive. Those who cannot afford these options resort to retrenchment or stock reduction to mitigate spoiled merchandise. There is a constant update of scheduled power cuts, but loadshedding still affects businesses substantially, particularly small businesses with no access to alternative power. However, the cost of production for businesses with alternative power increase substantially. The primary goal of the study was to establish the economic effects of loadshedding on women-own Kota businesses in Soweto and distinguish whether they are comparable to those experienced by other businesses. Furthermore, the study aimed to understand the importance of women-owned Kota businesses in Soweto as well as the risks that women-owned Kota businesses in Soweto are exposed to as a result of loadshedding.
The study used a qualitative research method to explore the lived experiences of Black women entrepreneurs, to capture their life stories and to view the factors that pushed them into entrepreneurship, particularly Kota businesses. The purposive sample was utilised to select a sample of eight Black women who own and operate Kota businesses in Soweto. The study collected data through semi-structured interviews and non-participants observations. Data was transcribed and analysed using thematic
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analysis. The main findings are that Kota businesses in Soweto are significant due to their contribution on women economic empowerment, employment creation, food security, and creation of social relations among community members. In economic empowerment, it fosters necessity-driven entrepreneurship, enabling Black women to have a source of income, alleviate poverty and dependence on government. Regardless of the fact that Kota businesses are essential as a source of livelihood and economic injector for the low-income populations, they suffer significant losses due to decreased production and revenues as a result of loadshedding. Lastly, loadshedding exposes women to multiple vulnerabilities that are influenced by their intersecting identities. They are exposed to exploitation in domestic chores and gender-based violence, as well as burglary and robbery in their homes or businesses. The findings highlight the degree that loadshedding and intersection of Black women identities affect their well-being and livelihood, widening the existing power and gender inequalities.