MBABANE – Small businesses are hoping that His Majesty King Mswati III will use Friday’s Speech from the Throne to speak directly to the everyday challenges they are facing on the ground.
The Business Federation of Eswatini (BUFE) said micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are under pressure from rising costs, cashflow struggles and limited access to support.
BUFE President Thulisile Dladla outlined five simple, but urgent issues the business community hopes the King will address.
The business community wants the King to speak about the ongoing electricity hikes and clearly acknowledge that higher tariffs hit businesses directly. Many MSMEs rely on power for daily operations, from refrigeration and manufacturing to retail and services, and rising electricity costs are eating into already thin profits.
BUFE said when electricity becomes more expensive, small businesses are forced to increase prices, reduce operating hours or cut jobs to survive.
Another major concern is late payment by government to small suppliers. BUFE said many MSMEs provide goods and services to public institutions, but wait months to be paid.
These delays leave small businesses struggling to pay staff, restock and settle their own bills. Some are forced to borrow just to survive, pushing them deeper into debt. Business leaders say timely payment by government would give MSMEs much-needed breathing room.
BUFE also wants the King to urge the Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) to be more considerate towards MSMEs.
While businesses accept the need to pay taxes and comply with regulations, many small operators struggle to keep up with paperwork and deadlines. Heavy penalties for small mistakes, BUFE said, are hurting struggling entrepreneurs instead of helping them grow. The federation believes ERS should balance enforcement with education and support for MSMEs.
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