The Impact of Load-Shedding on the Resilience of the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry employs millions of workers worldwide, but it is also vulnerable to numerous crises. The global energy crisis is affecting many industries but load-shedding in South Africa is having a detrimental effect on hospitality businesses. This chapter aims to investigate the effects of load-shedding on the hospitality industry, by identifying its implications and interrogating strategies to mitigate consequences while improving the industry’s resilience. To evaluate the effects of load-shedding in the hospitality industry, a qualitative study approach was applied. Thirteen hospitality managers in Johannesburg were chosen by purposeful sampling, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Exploratory content analysis was utilised for analysing the transcriptions and applying line-by-line coding. The hospitality industry’s managers can efficiently manage the effects of load-shedding regardless of its negative effects simply due to their knowledge, background, and awareness, aiding in building a more resilient sector. Managers propose that the ability to control the effects and have strategies in place, reduce the negative impacts. Additionally, the study found that hospitality managers spend millions of Rand on fuel to maintain operations during load-shedding. Management implications therefore encourage measures to mitigate the effects of load-shedding. This study reveals enhanced approaches that will be relevant to managers of hospitality businesses.