Cape Town is losing around R1 billion a month from load shedding and the city council is now looking at buying electricity from independent power producers to help diversify the energy mix and secure a more reliable power supply.

The quarterly business confidence index stumbled in the first quarter of 2015 due to the negative impact of load shedding, which was slightly offset by lower fuel prices and inflation, a survey showed.

Grocery retailers and food producers say lost trading hours, wasted food and costly generators are among the biggest concerns emanating from the rolling power blackouts afflicting SA.

Business confidence improved to an almost two-year high last month, although the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which compiles the index, expressed unhappiness over the economy.

Business confidence improved to an almost two-year high last month, although the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which compiles the index, expressed unhappiness over the economy.

The proposed 80.5c/litre increase in the fuel price levies from April 1, combined with the expected 90c/litre price increase in March, is concerning, Absa said .

The minister of Small Business Development, Lindiwe Zulu, had a spring in her step as she was swept off from one interview to another following Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene’s budget speech on Wednesday.

Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene’s first full National Budget tabled on Wednesday afternoon in parliament was a tough one, in that income tax has been raised for those who earn more than R181 900 per year.

Any tax increases to be announced in the budget on Wednesday should be kept to the bare minimum to avoid putting more pressure on small businesses and consumers, says South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) acting CEO Peggy Drodskie.