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Among more than 2 000 businesses participating in a survey of members of the Cape Chambers of Commerce & Industry on the impact of the coronavirus, most said they were anxious about being able to afford high rents and City Council rates as the economy shrinks.
"They are pleading for a rates holiday for the duration of the emergency and a sharing of pain by landlords, so that job losses can be kept to a minimum or avoided entirely," Geoff Jacobs, president of the chamber, said on Monday.
More than a third of the members surveyed reported serious negative consequences for their businesses due to the spreading pandemic. According to Jacobs, the negative effects vary according to the type of business, but those in the tourism sector seem to have been hit the hardest.
Businesses already buying and selling remotely using the internet seem to be the least affected.
In order to try and save costs, some businesses have begun amalgamating offices. The trend of staff working from home is also increasing.
Apart from indicating that they are determined to try to survive and save jobs, respondents indicated the importance of protecting the health of their staff and the public.
Many businesses have already sent half of their staff to work from home. Others have reduced the number of people working face-to-face with customers, the survey found.
"There is a universal concern of proprietors and managers for the health of their staff and customers. None have failed to put in place the recommended measures to stop virus transmission on their premises," Jacobs said. "Some have even begun using glass screens and telephones to protect staff and customers."
The chamber survey also highlights the hygiene regimes introduced by almost all respondents. They are wiping all desks, door handles, chairs, computers, telephones and other equipment with disinfectant in addition to normal cleaning operations. Thorough hand-washing for the required 20 seconds is being practised, and the need to do so frequently is being drummed home to all staff.
"What our survey highlights is the creative response and speed of the business [sector's] reaction to the crisis. The ingenuity that has emerged - from staggered work days and tea-breaks to taking staff home in shifts rather than allowing them to use taxis or buses – is extraordinary," says Jacobs.
"The common concern for others and the demonstration of common humanity is overwhelming, uplifting, and a tribute to the business community of our city."
Update: The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry commends President Cyril Ramaphosa for the decisive and clear direction communicated on Monday night regarding government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The chamber called on the business community and fellow South Africans to adhere strictly and without exception to the government directives regarding the lockdown.
"Combined with continued emphasis on hygiene (these) can assist with alleviating the full effects of COVID-19 on local businesses and the national economy. We echo the President's call for solidarity and compassion during this challenging time and also call on the private sector to continue to resist profiteering and corruption," the chamber said in a statement.
"The 21-day lockdown is the right thing to do and, as the business community, we support the president's direction wholeheartedly as this is the only route that will help us not to shed jobs. We welcome the creation of a special fund that will support SMMEs and ensure that small businesses survive."
The Durban Chamber also commends government on the interventions set out regarding employment tax incentives, temporary reductions to the Unemployment Insurance Fund, IDC and DTI financing package, tourism sector relief package, lower interest rates and others.
"We look forward to unpacked details on these detailing how the benefits of the package will reach the intended beneficiaries," it said.
* Compiled by Carin Smith
