A local technology specialist company, Sautech has launched a relief fund worth R25-million aimed at businesses in the tourism industry. The new initiative is aimed at providing technological resources and relief to businesses within the tourism sector that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic and lockdown regulations.
“After long and thorough consideration we’ve decided that we would like to offer this support to the tourism industry who has been allowed to open some activities and services, but it might not be enough to sustain their future,” Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, Minsiter of Tourism told Fin24 in reports that a loss of an estimated R54.2-billion can be expected for the period between mid-March and the end of May 2020.
Here Is What You Need To Know
- Sautech will offer free hosting services to qualifying businesses based on the tailor-made needs of each business.
- Sautech is a South African, Gauteng-based company established in 2003 and offers all standard technology services. The value add is that they design specific solutions or consulting for projects, infrastructures or security application implantations.
- Across the country, the tourism industry has taken a hard blow to their financing due to the impacts surrounding lockdown and prohibiting international visitors from our local shores.
- Riaan van Jaarsveld, Director of Sautech explains that although some restrictions have been lifted, the tourism industry may need a secondary crutch to get back up and running.
What Startups Stand To Benefit
With this support from Sautech, successful applicants will receive this service as a share of the total relief fund value to assist them in their ongoing digital requirements without the heavy costs involved.
Van Jaarsveld points out the importance of technology in business operations.
“We know that technology costs can add up — but no successful business can operate without having access to the internet and the accompanying services.”
In line with the companies goals, providing this aid towards businesses in the tourism industry, Sautech would reach their overall goals by implementing this initiative.
Who can apply?
Any South African registered company in the tourism industry can apply for their share of the relief service.
Applicants will be evaluated individually and there will be no automatic qualifications.
To apply, for more information and the terms and conditions, click here.
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer