JOHANNESBURG - Evidence of the severe impact of power cuts on the economy continues to emerge in industry reports and surveys.
ABSA’s Purchasing Managers Index fell sharply in February.
At 48.8 points, the Index fell below the neutral 50-point mark, pointing to a marked deterioration in business conditions in the factory sector.
Manufacturing is SA’s fourth-largest industry, contributing 14 percent to GDP.
Researchers say the period included an unprecedented seven consecutive days of Stage 6 power cuts, which was likely top of mind for many respondents.