Yoco and Coronavirus
The COVID-19 or Coronavirus pandemic has held our attention for weeks and in light of recent announcements by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Yoco has put into motion a plan to ensure not only the safety and wellbeing of staff but also business continuity for all merchants.
As such, Yoco has taken the decision to close its stores indefinitely and to allow all teams to work from home. Yoco teams are fully prepared for remote working and therefore Yoco will remain 100% operational. We are working hard to minimise the impact of these measures on our merchants.
Customer Support procedures will remain unchanged with agents able to provide support via phone, email, and live chat during normal hours. Yoco has also increased the capacity of the Customer Support team in recent weeks.
Yoco’s virtual doors will remain open to ensure that merchants are taken care of.
We're in this together
A letter from our CEO
To all South African small business owners,
There is no doubt that COVID-19 (Coronavirus) poses immense challenges to the South African economy. The impact of Coronavirus will be felt by every business, no matter how big or small. Already predictions are in that our economy could shrink by 6% in the next few months.
As more people practice social distancing and go into isolation or quarantine, business is going to slow down and money is going to get tight.
Everyone will feel the impact. If not right away, in the weeks and months to come.
We can’t control everything but we can rise to the challenges and choose to look to the future as positively as we can. As you have shown us before, small businesses in South Africa are tough and resilient.
How Yoco can help you
We have already begun working on ways that we can help you even more. Over the next few weeks Yoco will provide you with support in the form of resources, content, and opportunities to help you thrive.
Our blog will guide you through the basics such as how to keep your device and store as hygienic as possible, and how to manage your cash flow as best you can.
What you can do
Engage with us and the community of small businesses! Follow the link below to make your voice heard. Use the link below to tell us about the hurdles in your path and what you are doing to overcome them. We will use what you share with us to help you as best we can.
We will also be creating groups on social platforms for you to connect personally with other entrepreneurs. It will be a place to make your doubts, fears, and concerns heard and perhaps find solidarity and comfort with other business owners just like you. We want you to know that you are not alone.
Lastly, in the past, we have said that your success is ours, and it’s in times like these that we want you to know that your challenges and difficulties are ours too.
Yoco might be doing things a little differently, but we will always be there to help you thrive.
All the best
Katlego Maphai
[THREAD]: Let’s take a minute to talk.
— Yoco (@Yoco_ZA) March 19, 2020
COVID19 will impact small businesses. With quarantines, closures and self-isolation, entrepreneurs will face new challenges.
We don’t have all the answers, but we’re here to support you. Let’s co-create a solution #SupportSmall pic.twitter.com/dvB49lxC6a
Follow Coronavirus Updates
Stay up to date with news about the Coronavirus from these official resources to avoid fake news circulating on Whatsapp and social media.
- The NICD Hotline on 0800 029 999 operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Call the hotline if you have symptoms
- For more information visit: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 and www.nicd.ac.za
- The National Government has set up a WhatsApp support line on 0600 123456
- For the latest news go to https://twitter.com/HealthZA or https://sacoronavirus.co.za/
