Airlink might have been exploiting people in the Eastern Cape region one of the country’s poorest areas with its high flight ticket prices, the Competition Tribunal has heard.
Trying to find a place to eat, shop or anything normal during the darkness that has befallen SA, thanks to Eskom, is proving to be a mission as many small businesses are buckling under the pressure of the erratic load-shedding. One of government’s favourite slogans is Vukuzenzele, which means “get up and do it yourself”, meant to encourage self-sufficiency.
With no end to load-shedding in sight, small business owners in Mthatha say not only have they had to contend with dwindling profits and fewer customers, but are forced to spend thousands of rand on fixing damaged equipment. Some have even gone so far as closing their businesses while repairs are carried out.
The distraught family of slain entrepreneur Zwelinzima “PK” Dweba wants Mthatha to be declared a crime disaster area. They have also called on the government to develop a crime-prevention strategy tailor-made to put a stop to the spate of violent crimes in the town. “It is high time that Mthatha is declared a disaster area when it comes to crime,” family spokesperson advocate Sonwabile Mangcotywa said on Wednesday.
King Sabata Dalindyebo municipal bosses and organised business have expressed concern at the escalating crime in Mthatha. This follows the fatal shooting recently of at least five people in two separate attacks by gunmen. The latest incident, which has rocked Mthatha citizens, took place on Sunday when three taxi operators, Jongikhaya Mapeyi and Luyolo Mvamve, both from Corhana, and Mziwakhe Mbuti Makhabane of Ntilini in Sibangweni, were shot and killed.