South Africa’s imminent business organisation Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) has urged its members to respond “comprehensively and with the same decisiveness and sense of solidarity” displayed by President Ramaphosa Monday night.
Ramaphosa announced a 21-day lockdown with effect from Friday and a solidarity fund, businesses and individuals can contribute as the Covid-19 virus rages on.
BUSA vice president Martin Kingston says business will work alongside numerous social partners to mobilise support to businesses, particularly small businesses, the vulnerable and those whose livelihoods are now threatened.
“All members of the various business bodies have unreservedly endorsed the Solidarity Fund announced by the President,” says Kingston.
“While we all recognise the need to make sacrifices during this demanding time, we must stand in unity with our government and stay at home to overcome the current challenging circumstances. As business people, we firmly believe that through this crisis, we will lay the basis for a stronger South Africa, taking collective responsibility for our future”
Two of the country’s richest families, the Rupert family and the Oppenheimer family have already each donated R1 billion rand to the solidarity fund that is chaired by veteran business woman Gloria Serobe.
