Whether big or small, most businesses have felt the impact of the devastating blows dealt by the coronavirus pandemic and resulting lockdowns.
Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in particular, have suffered major revenue declines and in many cases, have had to let staff go – adding to the country’s unemployment woes.
As they battled to get their businesses up and running again, a group of small businesses based in Langa, among them Zama Duma Special Events, Dira’s Gas and Mzamo weSiseko, were given a boost through Hollywood Bets’ My Community initiative.
The project was launched last year in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The company’s Evander De Wee, who handed over tools and utensils to the businesses, said he hoped the equipment would help them in their day-to-day operations and enable them to reach their goals.
Nomakhwezi Magazi of the Zama Duma Events Specialists said the Covid-19 pandemic had caused much suffering and had left an indelible impact on the business.
“We are a family business and we had it hard. The pandemic has hit us hard such that we had to be creative and automate the business. This came as a surprise for us and it came at the right time – when we were losing hope. We will now be able to sustain the business,” she told Vukani.
But for other struggling businesses she has a message: “Never quit because you are not only doing the business for yourself but the community as well.”
Another beneficiary, Siseko Mgxali of Mzamo weSiseko added: “SMMEs must believe in themselves. During this difficult time, they must be their own cheerleaders,” he said.
