Creating an innovative South Africa

As the Covid-19 infections continue to rise, fear especially among small and medium business owners is also increasing.

Businesses continue to struggle while more people are losing their job and livelihoods. The limited or

lack of support for small businesses poses as the greatest challenge during this time.

The temporary R350 the unemployed are getting is, well completely unsustainable.

What is needed more than a grant for the unemployed is a space where innovators can innovate and

thrive.

Luckily, it’s not all doom and gloom, something can still be done.

South Africa is rich with skilled and gifted people who can bring the much needed change to the

economy and therefore create jobs.

Approximately a year ago, when lockdown was first initiated, the president announced how Covid-19

relief grant strategy would be implemented as an aid to finance businesses during lock down.

Yet a large number of small businesses did not receive or qualify for Covid-19 relief grant due to criteria

that was set too high. Meanwhile, our societies are filled with people who have talent and skills that are

not being utilised because of lack of funding and strict funding criteria.

Given the chance I would suggest to the highest leadership in the country to change things around and shake things up a bit.

Let every man, woman and young person who wants to start a business be challenged to innovate and

come up with start-ups that can bring benefit to the economy. And let these people be fully supported.

We live in a digital age so let's put it to use instead of sleeping and being spoon fed. Look at China,

Chinese invested in upskilling their own people in such a way it has become a culture to be creative and

innovative. South Africa can also do great if only its people can be given a chance. The time is now.

There is no need for such high rates of unemployment. We just need the government to have the will to

change things around because it sure does have the power.

I strongly believe in the people of South Africa.

We can do much more by working together. We need your support Mr. President.

Some of the few sectors where innovation continues to happen:

• Art

• IT

• Scientific

• Singing/instruments

• Health and wellness

• Cyber Security creative ideas

• Manufacturing

• Education.

• Online Forex trading training.

Edith is a business development expert. She writes in he personal capacity.