The effects of electricity load-shedding on the performance of small and medium enterprises in Pretoria, South Africa: A case study of Marabastad Business Community

South Africa has been experiencing electricity load shedding for over sixteen years and this has affected the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country, with devastating effects recorded in the post-Covid-19 era. SMEs are key drivers of the economy and their performance has a great influence on it, as they contribute 36% of gross domestic product (GDP). This case study of the problem used the qualitative research method, with data collected through interviews. This study established that, in the area studied, there is a decline in the performance of the entrepreneurs and working hours have been drastically reduced due to load-shedding. Proposals are made of measures that the SME implementers and the government of South Africa can take in order to prevent the situation from further deteriorating.