Entrepreneurs in South Africa : how does the crisis impact your work

Hello everyone,

As the world comes to a halt, we wanted to hear from the entrepreneurs in South Africa.
While new challenges arise from the current context, we think this is a good time to share your story, especially if you are a business owner in South Africa.
That's why we invite you to answer the following questions:

What is your industry and the size of your company located in South Africa?

How does the crisis impact you, financially, economically and personally? On the other hand, have you seen new business opportunities emerge?

Have you managed to set up a teleworking approach? If so, how was the transition?

Have you had to take difficult measures? Do you mind sharing them with us and tell us what you learnt from them?

Do you have any advice to give or practices that you have put in place that you would like to keep at the end of the crisis?

We thank you for your participation and wish you a good day :)

Stay safe,


Loïc

The platform I am developing is related to travel and lifestyle. Fortunately to early preventive actions, we remain growing on a daily basis and there are over 100,000 of workforce in the community.

Although the global pandemic has affected greatly to many, however it is a season of growth for us as more and more people gain the skill to build an income directly from the comfort of their home. Among the highest sought after opportunities right now is home based business, and again, we are fortunate to transition from physical to work virtually anywhere. Despite the lockdown, it does little to no impact since we are already running it from laptops and smartphones.

When we shared out this concept 5 years ago, many called us crazy, and no one will patronize it because majority couldn't afford good internet connectivity. But now, let's be honest, more and more people are getting used to streaming services as they continue stay longer at home. It has gradually becoming a norm, except that people will continue to spend on something that does no benefit on long term. In some countries, people continue to hoard goods via click and order but never find a way to replenish the money they have spent, Eventually expenses will increase when resources beginning to decrease. It's a tough reality however, not everyone are in the state of mind to think when news and media are circulating chaos and unrest.

I can't say if there is any good advice to give, however I would want to emphasize is that if you do not know of a way to generate liquid cash right now, you'll definitely be affected the most.

Another thing to observe is that the Rand has progressively stretched apart from USD, It was 1 = 14 on January, today it is like 1 = 18.
That is a clue to tell the public that if you do not have a way to start earning stronger currency, ultimately, what you hold on your hands will no longer serve its purpose.

On the side note, why we are still actively involving with travel is because travel is one of the largest industry in the world. Regardless, people will travel,, the difference is the number of activity during normal circumstances against current situation. Even Warren Buffet recently invested 45 million into a commercial airline carrier. Some will question if he is nuts or what to throw such a money into a place where no one patronize. On the other hand, Warren does foresee that when the situation is over, the number 1 activity people will do is to make a beeline to their desired vacation spot because most will be sick and tired of getting sick and tired of staying at home. when that comes, he will be the first to reap the harvest while majority begin spending on travel.

I hope this sheds some good light and may the information be helpful for others. As of now, we continue to gear up and help more people build a better living. Imagine the same amount of time spent on reading repetitive news could be spend effectively to be productive, that will determine your position to be the top of the crop.

Cheers.