South Africa’s Power Crisis Untenable, Mr Price Chairman Says
- Group rolling out backup power to all its South African stores
- State should be held accountable for implementation: Payne
Lights from the Berea district of Johannesburg.
Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
South African retailer Mr Price Group Ltd. is rolling out backup power to all its stores, as the company’s chairman called the country’s current electricity shortage untenable.
The Durban-based specialist in mid-range apparel, sports goods and homeware said on Friday it is on track to reach its target of backup power in 70% of its South African stores by the end of this financial year in March, and in 100% of shops “as soon as possible thereafter.” While this is adequate for a certain threshold of blackouts, the plans are under review due to the recent intensity levels, Mr Price said in a trading update.