Responding to the President's lockdown speech

STATEMENT BY ALDERMAN JAMES VOS, MAYORAL COMMITTEE MEMBER FOR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

I am gladdened by President Ramaphosa’s announcement that the Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) is being re-implemented and also that businesses whose permits might have expired in the past year will not be penalised until the end of 2022.

This will provide much-needed relief to small business owners and their staff whose livelihoods are surely on the brink. It’s also positive news that eateries will be allowed to welcome patrons again. Sadly, I fear it might be too little too late for so many restaurants and other hospitality service providers who have been forced to permanently close their doors.

This is why I am urgently calling for the national government to reconsider its decision on the curfew for eateries. Every single hour of trading lost is income lost for these businesses. On top of this, the Department of Small Business Development must step up its relief fund for SMMEs.

In terms of the vaccine rollout, it is welcome news that this has been sped up. I am also happy that Athlone Stadium, a strategic asset within my portfolio, will be used as the site of the first drive-through and walk-through mass vaccination site in the Western Cape. This will be a huge boost when jabs will start being given to 35-49-year-olds from August.

Cape Town business owners, please don’t forget to use the resources available to you through the City. This includes:

– The Business Hub who can be emailed at business.support@capetown.gov.za or go to the website: The Business Hub

– The Productivity Efficiency Programme for SMMEs employing between 15-50 workers

– The Jobs Connect Workforce Development Programme which connects businesses and work-hungry individuals

– Working with Special Business Partners in Cape Town’s high growth industries. See more here: Key Partners

These are just a few. Find out more at InvestCapeTown.com or email my team at info@wordpress-local

And let’s all continue working together in observing Covid protocols so that we can bring the infection rate down and save lives. If you or anyone you know is eligible for the vaccine and hasn’t received a jab or an update about your vaccine appointment, you can get more information on the City’s website here: Coronavirus Updates.

And please support our local businesses however you can. Together, we can do this!