The 13.61 per cent electricity tariff increase has sent shockwaves through an already fragile events industry.
The Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority (ESERA) recently approved an additional E211.79 million in revenue for the Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) for the 2026/27 financial year.
ESERA Chief Executive Officer Skhumbuzo Tsabedze said the adjustment, effective April 1, translates to customers receiving 34 units for every E100 purchase.
While the regulator says the increase is meant to ensure sustainability of electricity supply, industry players in entertainment say the timing could not be worse.
Eswatini Events Managers and Promoters Association (EEMPA) Secretary General Banele Dlamini said the hike would affect the entire value chain of the events sector.
ALSO READ: WHY SHOULD THE POOR ALWAYS BEAR THE BRUNT? – Consumers
“This will affect the industry as a whole. The industry is already struggling or rather unstable,” Dlamini said.
He explained that electricity was central to every event — from concerts and festivals to corporate shows and community gatherings.
Sound engineers, lighting technicians, venue owners and stage crews all depend on reliable power to deliver professional services.
“This change will affect everyone involved — from the sound people to the venue owners, staff and the patrons,” Dlamini said.
According to Dlamini, operational costs are expected to rise sharply as venues and service providers adjust to higher electricity bills.
He warned that the burden might ultimately be passed on to consumers through higher ticket prices and increased venue hire fees.
“Things will go high as electricity is a fundamental need of all things. We will suffer in an already suffering industry,” he said.
XChange Lounge Staff Face Retrenchment
XCHANGE Lounge & Shisanyama Marketing Manager Meluleki ‘Sluga’ Simelane says the electricity tariff hike could force the venue to retrench staff in order to stay afloat.
Sluga explained that the added cost burden comes at a time when the business is still building momentum this year.
“This hike will affect us a lot as it will force us to retrench some of our staff in order to survive because if we increase service prices that might chase away our clients,” he said.
He noted that during midweeks and Saturdays, the venue has to keep refrigerators running continuously to preserve drinks and meat.
“It is still early, we are recovering from the January blues and we are not making much. This will affect us,” he stated.
Beyond hospitality venues, record labels have also raised concerns, saying they may be forced to scale back on studio equipment usage, potentially slowing music production.
Swazi Swagg Records founder Mr Kangaroo said the increase could hinder their operations.
“We will be forced to increase charges. For now it is E500, we will soon share the new prices,” he said.
Mabonwa Abulawe Records Director Young Zesh added that the impact extends beyond the studio.
He emphasised that limited funds and rising operational costs could compromise the overall quality of local music productions.
For Young Zesh, the hike might slow progress in the local music industry, with emerging artists and established producers alike needing to adapt quickly to avoid disruptions.
