Enabling SMEs to build back better

Issue 6 2021 Editor's Choice, News & Events, Conferences & Events

According to McKinsey SMEs make up 98% of businesses in South Africa and employ between 50 and 60% of the country’s workforce, contributing to 39% of the local GDP. The article goes so far as to say that “SMEs are the lifeblood of South Africa and also the most at risk”.

Just prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, SMEs were already facing challenges with a sluggish economy. According to Stats SA the economy grew by 1.1% in the first quarter of 2021 which is an annualised growth rate of 4.6%. This figure was marginally higher in the fourth quarter of 2020 with a 1.4% rise in real domestic product, with an annualised growth rate of 5.5%. And while this is positive, we need to bear in mind that this is still 2.7% less than the first quarter in 2020. The civil unrest seen in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng will also have a long-lasting effect on the South African economy and will no doubt curb any hopes of sustained or accelerated economic recovery.

The fact remains that SMEs have less resources to sustain themselves than larger organisations during times of crisis, but are also in an advantageous position to adapt quickly in order to survive.

The Covid-19 pandemic made it clear that technology and in particular ICT, made it possible for many businesses to pivot and quickly implement remote working strategies necessary during lockdown periods. This was in an effort to keep businesses running and to maintain productivity. A year later, organisations are still trying to adapt to new ways of working with hybrid working models becoming commonplace.

According to a study conducted by World Wide Worx, titled The Digital Corporation in South Africa 2021, the percentage of organisations that have increased their digital transformation efforts (15%) is very close to the proportion of staff who are able to work remotely (18%). Conversely, the 20% of organisations surveyed, who have fallen significantly in digital transformation is almost equivalent to the 24% who had only a few staff members working remotely. This could beg the question, are more digitally transformed organisations able to facilitate a higher proportion of staff working from home and is technology the enabler?

The study goes on to highlight that 97% of respondents see connectivity as a key area of ICT expenditure. This is significant as connectivity has never been more important than it is today.

However, many SMEs do not have their own IT departments and may not have time to call service providers about problems they might be experiencing with connectivity. Many may need to actually visit mobile provider outlets and may not get the business advice that they seek, with consultants being very focused on a consumer market. SMEs are entitled to business grade service and offerings.

Simpli Connect is a local ISP that specialises in connectivity solutions for businesses of all sizes, but with special offerings for SMEs. By aggregating solutions from multiple providers it ensures the customer need is met with the best solution on the market rather than trying to fit the customer’s requirement into ‘similar’ solutions from a preferred vendor.

SMEs are often the brainchild of an entrepreneur who starts off small with the idea to grow a business. However, these businesses also need to be equipped to transform digitally in order to survive. According to Dell Technologies Digital Transformation Index 79% of organisations in South Africa have fast-tracked some digital transformation programmes this year. Simpli Connect offers SME customers assistance and advice on digital transformation, digital marketing strategies based on their own experience and advice on taking businesses from brick and mortar to digital.

Simpli Connect is committed to South Africa and its much needed economic recovery and is focused on re-invigorating the ‘lifeblood’ of South Africa, its SMEs.

In the first episode of the Simpli ConnectED Podcast Series, Farhad Suleman, CEO of Simpli Connect interviews some of the industry’s leading minds. Arthur Goldstuck joins the podcast to provide insights from The Digital Corporation Study in South Africa 2021 research and Ismail Gani, managing executive from Vodacom Business provides invaluable practical advice and guidance to SMEs. Finally, the podcast takes a look at what solutions are available to SMEs with an insightful discussion with Tanya Dreyer from Simpli Connect.

If you would like to listen to the first episode of the Simpli ConnectED Podcast Series, go to https://www.simpliconnect.co.za/podcasts/




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

South African fire standards in a nutshell
Fire & Safety Editor's Choice Training & Education
The importance of compliant fire detection systems and proper fire protection cannot be overstated, especially for businesses. Statistics reveal that 44% of businesses fail to reopen after a fire.

Read more...
LidarVision for substation security
Fire & Safety Government and Parastatal (Industry) Editor's Choice
EG.D supplies electricity to 2,7 million people in the southern regions of the Czech Republic, on the borders of Austria and Germany. The company operates and maintains infrastructure, including power lines and high-voltage transformer substations.

Read more...
Standards for fire detection
Fire & Safety Associations Editor's Choice
In previous articles in the series on fire standards, Nick Collins discussed SANS 10400-T and SANS 10139. In this editorial, he continues with SANS 322 – Fire Detection and Alarm Systems for Hospitals.

Read more...
Wildfires: a growing global threat
Editor's Choice Fire & Safety
Regulatory challenges and litigation related to wildfire liabilities are on the rise, necessitating robust risk management strategies and well-documented wildfire management plans. Technological innovations are enhancing detection and suppression capabilities.

Read more...
Firexpo 2025 ignites interest in fire safety
Fire & Safety News & Events
Firexpo 2025 showcased fire detection, suppression, and safety tech, drawing professionals eager to explore innovations, gain insights, and connect with suppliers.

Read more...
SMARTpod talks to Sophos and Phishield
SMART Security Solutions Technews Publishing Sophos Videos Information Security News & Events
SMARTpod recently spoke with Pieter Nel, Sales Director for SADC at Sophos, and Sarel Lamprecht, MD at Phishield, about ransomware and their new cyber insurance partnership.

Read more...
Highest increase in global cyberattacks in two years
Information Security News & Events
Check Point Global Research released new data on Q2 2024 cyber-attack trends, noting a 30% global increase in Q2 2024, with Africa experiencing the highest average weekly per organisation.

Read more...
The power of PKI and private sector innovation
Access Control & Identity Management News & Events Government and Parastatal (Industry)
At the recent ID4Africa 2025 Summit in Addis Ababa, the spotlight was firmly on building secure, inclusive, and scalable digital identity ecosystems for the African continent.

Read more...
DeepSneak deception
Information Security News & Events
Kaspersky Global Research & Analysis researchers have discovered a new malicious campaign which is distributing a Trojan through a fake DeepSeek-R1 Large Language Model (LLM) app for PCs.

Read more...
Value and industry insight
Securex South Africa Training & Education News & Events
Securex South Africa 2025, co-located with A-OSH EXPO, Facilities Management Expo, and Firexpo, drew thousands of security professionals from across the continent and beyond, offering a platform for networking, product discovery, and knowledge sharing.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.