LATEST NEWS
President Ramaphosa compares small to big businesses and praises young entrepreneurs in South Africa, who are finding success in the COVID-19 pandemic
24 July 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought drastic changes to the business landscape, but President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged the innovation of young and upcoming entrepreneurs, while South Africa continues to battle the spread of the coronavirus.
In his weekly letter to the country, the president said that the coronavirus was a dark cloud that was hanging over the lives of South African’s and the economic fortunes of our country. Ramaphosa continued by saying, “As much as COVID-19 hangs over our country, there is a silver lining to this dark cloud.”
According to Ramaphosa, despite the country facing enormous socio-economic challenges such as rising unemployment and poverty, there are various opportunities for South African’s to look out for to alleviate the fundamental consequences of the pandemic. He highlighted that many young entrepreneurs were displaying the combination of forethought, creativity, innovation and business acumen by coming up with contemporary solutions for the challenges that the country currently faces.
President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted these businesses:
Cloudy Deliveries
A bicycle delivery service that uses local teenagers from Langa to transport goods from the shops to residents.
“They have focused their deliveries on shopping for the elderly, who have been encouraged to stay at home during the lockdown,” said Ramaphosa.
Rabbit’s Pizza
An electrician, Xitsakiso Baloyi from Mankweng in Limpopo, whose pizza-making hobby turned into a fully-fledged business after his family started posting pictures of his creations on social media during the lockdown.
“Rabbit’s Pizza, started with his savings of R1 000 and the baking pans in his kitchen, which employs nine young people who not only deliver in Mankweng but also in Nwamitwa and Giyani,” explained Ramaphosa.
Ponani Shikweni
A linen manufacturing business owned by Ponani Shikweni from Alexandra township, in Gauteng, has pivoted her business to manufacture face masks.
“Her business produces more than 1 000 masks and she has distributed over 20 000 cloth masks for free to residents of Alexandra,’’ according to Ramaphosa.
Judy Jay
The 18-year-old Judy Jay, DJ and rising star from Sekhukhune, took her talent online, which resulted in a new business opportunity.
“Her watch parties during the lockdown have attracted the attention of major local and international radio stations, enabling her to promote and grow her brand,” says Ramaphosa.
Large versus small companies in South Africa.
The president emphasised that we should look at the green shoots of renewal and our economic recovery, which cannot be put on hold until the pandemic is over. Ramaphosa has also acknowledged the capacity and ability of the SMMEs who have shot to the fore.
According to Ramaphosa, the concentration of markets, as well as the capital in large firms, limits the potential of small businesses, which concentrates poverty in particular parts of our cities and townships.
“In such challenging times, many have lost their jobs and SMMEs are struggling to keep their doors open, therefore, we must support these businesses,” he concluded.
