Small Business Institute CEO John Dludlu speaks with Polity about the impact of the energy crisis on the small business sector following the devastations from the Covid-19 pandemic, floods and the unrest.

He notes that while help was given from government after the unrest, it came too late. Many businesses have not recovered since.

"Our members are very distressed by this situation," he said.

He points out that there is significant red tape across government, that makes it difficult to do business.

Further, the law and order situation is a huge threat to the stability of the country, he said.

"I think we are descending perilously close to a state of lawlessness and a mafia state," Dludlu stressed.