BUSINESSES CLOSE, LOSE OVER E11M

MBABANE – Business Eswatini yesterday conducted firsthand assessments of the ‘restraint’ experienced yesterday.

A majority of businesses were closed due to fears of attacks which slightly affected the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. When businesses halt operations, GDP decreases. An estimated E11 780 821.90 was lost by businesses yesterday for halting operations. This was mentioned by an economist who preferred to comment anonymously. He said this was due to the fact that there was less money movement in the country yesterday especially in retail and wholesale. He said yesterday’s situation differed from that of a national holiday identified in the country. “When it’s an official holiday, businesses are not affected because trade is halted compared to today (yesterday) when it is a normal working day,” he said.

The business desk also noted that the hospitality industry was affected by the restraint as events scheduled for yesterday were cancelled. These include conference meetings, forums and other outdoor events. Service providers also closed shops which resulted to a loss in profit. Business Eswatini Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nathi Dlamini yesterday conducted assessments of the situation following that political formations in the country had declared the day a public holiday to honour the ‘fallen heroes’ and victims of the June 29, 2021 unrest.
Dlamini’s day started on a downbeat as he had to walk for over eight kilometres from his place of abode in Manzini to the bus rank, where he was to board public transport. This was a deliberate move by the CEO as he was on a mission to compile a report based on his own assessment on the activities of the day. “I was getting conflicting reports on social media. Therefore, I was reporting to all Business Eswatini members along the way.”

Witness

Dlamini stated that he was on an assignment to give a live feed to the business community to witness his experiences on the activities of the day on who was closed and who was working. Following the confusing information received on social media, Dlamini said he was obligated to conduct a firsthand assessment himself.  “I went through the buses and shops, now I am in Mbabane and boarding back to Manzini.” He said the main thrust of using public transport was based on the fact that most employees used it when going to work, hence his assignment to get firsthand experience on issues of mobility.

When questioned what his findings were on the situation, the CEO said what he had discovered so far was that activity was subdued although there appeared to be restraint so far. “My impression is that activity is quite subdued, especially the Mbabane and Manzini corridor.” He said they were thankful that everyone seemed to be practising restraint, although it was still early in the day and would see what unfolds later on. Dlamini said he was making a nice experience out of the situation, although it was not easy. “Having to walk eight kilometres was not easy and I was tired but had to fulfil my mission,” Dlamini said. He said the feeder transport to the main bus station were not available.

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