We believe SMEs are South Africa’s best chance to tackle unemployment and drive meaningful, inclusive economic growth. As Old Mutual Corporate: SME, we are honoured to have been able to support 20 SMEs who had been impacted by the riots. Here are some of their stories.
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Fototec is a retail print store in Watercrest Mall, which is in the Hillcrest area of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. It was founded by Indriani Naidoo and provides printing solutions to businesses and individuals. Fototec suffered stock and equipment theft and damage in excess of R100,000, bringing the business’ operations to a complete halt. Fototec is now fully operational again and is back to providing excellent service to its customers.
Ezenhlanhla Zamashisa Ncapai’s Plump Fashions specialises in fashionwear and accessories for plus-sized women. Plump Fashions was completely ransacked, with all clothing, shoes and accessories (including backroom stock) stolen. The store counter was damaged, as was the fitting room. Ncapai is now set up with her shop in a new location, including replacing stock that what was stolen.
Piquantee is an Umlazi Mega City-based radiology service provider managed by Bongiwe Veronica Khathi. Piquantee was left operating at half its capacity after parts of its X-ray machine were stolen. Additional losses include an ultrasound machine and office equipment such as chairs, a laptop and a printer. We are pleased that Khathi could once again offer her radiological and diagnostic imaging services as Old Mutual purchased new machinery for Piquantee.
Tobias Senzo Hlongwane opened Natural Herbs and Health Shop in Philani Valley Mall. Hlongwane is a proud herbalist who sells organic herb-based and traditional health products for the treatment of illness. In addition to stock, the store’s front counter and assessment equipment were stolen. Hlongwane and his staff of three are now based at a new location, which Old Mutual secured and fitted with the necessary shelving, signage, security, operating equipment (i.e. card machines, a laptop and a cash register) and also stock.
Hot Joe’s is a popular fast-food shop in Umlazi’s Mega City Mall run by owner, Junaid Ahmed. Hot Joe’s suffered damages of almost R200,000, with a significant portion being cooking equipment. Hot Joe’s also experienced plumbing and security equipment damage, and had stock stolen. We are pleased that we could restore his business to full operating capacity ahead of the busy December period.
Ntando Gas is a gas products and refilling station that had all its stock (i.e. gas cylinders, heaters, stoves, kettles etc.) and equipment (i.e. gas pumps and cylinders) stolen, leaving owner Zamanguni Mzimela and her team unable to operate. Now, Mzimela has been able to establish operations from her home and resume her business dealings, which include the installation of gas stoves in clients’ homes.
Umlazi-based TLC Shoes was founded by owner Yoganathan Moodley, whose entire stock of shoes, bags and hats was stolen. Old Mutual helped Yoganathan to relocate to new premises and restocked TLC shoes, enabling it to open its doors again. We also installed shelving and purchased a till system and security equipment.
Michael Jonker’s Nibbles bakery recorded stock and equipment damage – including safes, bakery equipment and point-of-sale devices – in excess of R220,000. As a result, Nibbles was unable to operate, leaving Jonker and his team devastated. Following their application to Old Mutual, we were able to assist Nibbles and return it to its former glory. Jonker and his team are delighted to be operating again and getting back to what they do best - serving delicious baked goodies to the residents of Umlazi.
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