Research Shows Load-Shedding Negatively Affects Employment and Earnings in South Africa

Load-shedding has negative labour market effects on employment, working hours, and monthly earnings. This is according to research conducted by the University of Cape Town under the South Africa Towards Inclusive Development programme. On average, load-shedding periods were associated with a 2.6-percent lower chance of being employed, 1.3-percent fewer working hours per week, and 1.7-percent lower real monthly earnings. UCT’s Tim Köhler says from a policymaking perspective, the primary goal must be to rapidly reduce both the frequency and intensity of load-shedding and ultimately eliminate it.