Tladi, Lesedi Mosenngwe2025-04-152024Tladi, Lesedi Mosenngwe . (2024). The Impact of Loadshedding on the Mental Health of Small Business Owners in the Alexandra Township [Masters dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WIReDSpace. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/44791https://hdl.handle.net/10539/44791A research report Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for a Master of Arts , In the Faculty of Humanities , School of Social Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024South Africa is currently experiencing an electricity crisis which is slowly progressing to unmanageable levels as a result of ongoing loadshedding. Loadshedding has become a part of everyday life, and it affects all aspects of people’s lives including their mental health. Numerous studies address the economic impact of loadshedding, while the mental health impact is often neglected. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of loadshedding on the mental health of small business owners in the Alexandra township. Eight small business owners from Alexandra township were interviewed with the use of semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings reveal that loadshedding affects the experiences of small business owners and their mental health negatively. Small business owners face several challenges including operational, economic, and psychological challenges as a result of the ongoing electricity disruptions. Loadshedding extends beyond hampering the financial stability of small business owners, it also affects their families and employees. There was evidence of stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness impacting participants’ psychological and personal well-being. Ultimately the larger township community has also been negatively impacted by the ongoing energy crisis. Moreover, there was perceived government accountability for loadshedding.en© 2024 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.UCTDLoadsheddingmental healthsmall business ownersfinancial challengesstressfamily dynamicsDissertationUniversity of the Witwatersrand, JohannesburgSDG-8: Decent work and economic growthSDG-3: Good health and well-being