The ongoing blackouts and the increase in cable thefts have had a devastating effect on small business owners.  A 2023 report titled Impact of loadshedding on small business owners in the township economy found that 64% of township businesses halt operations during loadshedding and 66% of business owners have shed jobs because of loadshedding.

To help small business overcome these challenges, Hleziphi Mtshizana started a business that helps businesses to be less reliant on Eskom. Her key service is to help businesses and households to transition to sustainable and renewable energy generation solutions. “I started In Pursuit Projects and Technology Services because I wanted to introduce products that deliver less intense carbon emissions energy.”

Before she became an entrepreneur, the engineering graduate worked for large companies for many years where she gained knowledge and experience. Today her Gauteng-based business has a footprint in other provinces and helps businesses and homeowners with solar installations.

Hleziphi prides herself on finding customised solutions for clients that are struggling to understand the complexities of using renewable energy. As the electricity crisis continues and calls to decrease pollution increase, people are more interested in renewable energies.

This business model is a win for small business owners and the environment because it’s focused on sustainable and environmentally-conscious energies that do not harm the environment.

Despite the challenges of working in a male-dominated sector, Hleziphi is encouraging more women to enter the sector. “There are plenty of business opportunities to explore and I’m proof that women can also thrive.”

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The interview is in isiZulu and it was aired on Radio Khwezi.