21 Apr Support the #KeepSMEsGoing movement
The national lockdown to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus has had a huge impact on the economy, and the jobs and the livelihoods of many South Africans. The small business sector is at particular risk: there are 525 000 formal SMEs in South Africa, employing 6.6 million people. The vast majority are unable to pay their rent, utilities, and their employees. Initial surveys show 60% of SMEs are either considering retrenching employees, or already have. This is a significant threat to the economy, with millions of jobs at risk.
What can we do? There must be one rallying call: #KeepSMEsGoing. In his national address on 9 April, President Ramaphosa called on all businesses to continue to pay their suppliers to ensure that the underlying economy continues to function. Corporate SA and government departments must step up to keep SMEs afloat during the pandemic. Last week the CEO Initiative pledged their support to rally South African Corporates to pay SME invoices as quickly as possible. We want every big business to join them. And we want SMEs to play their part by paying their staff and suppliers in turn, creating a ‘pay it forward’ culture that will help us all survive.
Join the #KeepSMEsGoing movement today!