August 2020

2020 has certainly not moved in the direction in which everyone anticipated or wanted. The fragile business environment in South Africa has been trashed by strict lockdown and now a severe outbreak of the dreaded coronavirus, and companies are doing all they can to survive in an environment that changes totally from one day to the next. Where many have fallen away, opportunities have been opened for businesses that have survived to fill the gaps.

For many, the opportunities that have popped up are just as exciting as the lockdown was grim. There are even some that have taken the bulls by the horns and have continued to drive forward with new ideas and ambitious new projects.

Crossfin Technology, a leader in South Africa’s fintech space, recently wrapped up its latest acquisition bringing yet another industry leader under its umbrella to bring even better financial payment services to its larger portfolio.

Tarsus Technology, a major player in the distribution of tech hardware and cloud-based services, has continued to build partnerships with international brands for the benefit of South Africans.

Dis-Chem has taken its role as a pharmacy and discount retailer very seriously, sourcing PPE and medicine for people all over the country, while all the time keeping its famous strategy of store openings almost on track.

All of these companies are highly active in the retail space, where the bite of lockdown has been felt so harshly with the flow of cash all but drying up.

While the past few months, and the coming months, have been and will be extremely challenging, it is clear that opportunities still exist and President Ramaphosa’s idea of using the crisis as a method to totally rebuild the economy could just be starting to show that it has potential.