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03 August 2021 | Story Prof Brownhilder Neneh | Photo Supplied
Prof Brownhilder Neneh is an Associate Professor and Academic Head (HOD) of the Department of Business Management, University of the Free State.

Opinion article by Prof Brownhilder Neneh, Associate Professor and Academic Head (HOD) of the Department of Business Management, University of the Free State.

South Africa was recently rocked by the worst violence, riots, and chaos that has devastated the business community. An estimated 40 000 businesses were affected, costing the country about R50 billion in lost output and endangering around 150 000 jobs. It is important to stress that the situation regarding riots and looting in South Africa is not a once-off phenomenon, because in the past few years, South Africa has witnessed rioting and looting as one of the reoccurring events happening in the country, which often left big and small businesses to bear the burden as they pay the price for the actions of angry citizens. The aftermath of the Zuma imprisonment has once again put immense pressure on small and big businesses that were already disproportionately struggling with decreasing revenue and dismal forecasts of earnings due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns. The losses have had a devastating effect on particularly small businesses, which are typically not insured against damage during protests, and do not have much cash reserves at their disposal. Some small business owners’ years of hard work and entire life savings were completely wiped out overnight, putting the reopening plans of some on hold and completely shutting down others. 

Given that riots and protests are not unusual in South Africa, some people on social media have argued that South Africa is a volatile country when it comes to riots and protests, and that small businesses should have anticipated such risks and should have made an effort to obtain business insurance. A critical question to ask is whether all small businesses can afford insurance? In most cases we expect the answer to be ‘no’. This is because small businesses operate under various difficult circumstances, such as liabilities of newness, smallness, poorness, and lack of access to external financing. Nonetheless, it is important to educate small businesses about the importance of getting insurance, especially any form of insurance that covers their core assets.  But more importantly, what needs more insight within the South African context, is a critical discussion on how small businesses can minimise losses incurred during riots and bounce back from external shocks.

Many uninsured small businesses might not reopen unless government helps them

Depending on the extent of the damage across the different businesses affected during the recent protests, it could take up to 18 months to reconstruct the malls and for businesses to become fully operational again. This means that many of the small businesses might have to temporarily change their business location or relocate completely. The major problem with this strategy is the risk of paying double rent, both to the damaged mall as well as at the new location. The law does not provide for these SMEs to stop paying rent to the damaged mall, regardless of whether they want to relocate.  In addition, most of the assets that these businesses had, such as furniture, equipment, inventory, and debtors, were destroyed. This is a double negative, which implies that they have lost almost all of the assets they could use as collateral to obtain loans from financial institutions, as well as having to replace these assets.

Many of these small businesses that were not insured and have very little or no cash reserves may not be able to reopen their businesses, unless they receive assistance from the government. The South Africa government and the entire civil society have come out to condemn these barbaric actions, and have put in place some measures to redress the situation and bring stability to the country. As part of the recovery strategies, the government funds allocated to small businesses through its different departments, such as provincial development corporations, the IDC, and national youth funds, should be used to provide interest-free loans to those small businesses that were profitable before the looting crisis. Government should also consider paying business rentals to the damaged malls until these malls reopen.  Tax incentives for some of these businesses for a certain period of time is another option to be explored. Likewise, unemployment funds should be made available to pay their employees until they are fully operational again.

Within the context of entrepreneurship, resilience – which is viewed as the capacity of the business to recover, survive, or grow quickly following a crisis – is one of the capabilities that small businesses can deploy. While small businesses are often regarded as less resilient because of their limited resources, this liability makes them more flexible and adaptable in the face of adversity. Small businesses can become more resilient and less vulnerable to crises by developing an anticipated and containment mindset. An anticipated mindset entails continuous identification of all possible problems and emergencies, while a containment mindset is about embracing flexibility and adapting when responding to crises (conceptual slack), developing capabilities to deal with losses, and making a commitment to resilience. Small businesses can achieve these mindsets by undertaking training in metacognitive awareness, which entails developing coping strategies to respond to uncertain events, developing adaptive thinking to identify and recognise opportunities in an uncertain and dynamic context, and changing responses and strategies according to changes in the environment. Small businesses can also develop resilience by investing in and building resources. These resources can range from social resources (e.g., support from networks of family and friends, business partners); economic resources (e.g., personal savings, stokvels, and financial institutions); and personal resources (e.g., self-determination, inner strength, adopting a problem-solving mentality, emotion regulation, and self-confidence). As a short- to medium-term strategy, the South African government – through its Ministry of Small Business Development – should partner with higher education institutions and private organisations to create nationwide workshops and seminars on how to develop resilience and overcome liabilities of newness, smallness, and poorness.

Small businesses are the panacea for addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality

Small businesses should also foster cooperative relationships, as these have proven to help entrepreneurs overcome the lack of resources by sharing business resources (equipment, business space, and funds). This ultimately transforms competitive differences into potential growth opportunities for businesses. This is one of the most important business practices adopted by many immigrant businesses for survival. Those who need to start from scratch are encouraged to develop their businesses, using what they can create with the set of resources (computer, land, skills, money, car) at their disposal, no matter how small. Given that the future is unpredictable, instead of defining a specific plan to reach a goal/objective, such entrepreneurs should focus on what means are available to them now. Most successful entrepreneurs around the world – and particularly in Africa, where entrepreneurs are usually constrained by limited resources and support structures – will tell you that they started their businesses with very limited or only one resource that they had at their disposal. It might be quite difficult and painful to undergo the cycle again, so entrepreneurs should tap into their inner grit and remember that although they are starting from scratch, this time around they are wiser and more experienced, which will ultimately translate to higher achievements. 

In conclusion, small businesses are the panacea for unleashing and addressing the triple problem of poverty, unemployment, and inequality that South Africa is currently facing. So, if the government is intentional about enhancing the creation, survival, and sustainability of small businesses, it becomes critical that they create an enabling environment that significantly minimises external shocks. The South Africa government should also put in place clear short- and long-term goals to address the causes and issues that give rise to riots and provide practical solutions to transform the country. The South Africa government should also partner with civil society and the media to spread awareness about the negative impact of destructions during riots and protests.

News Archive

UFS awards degrees at autumn graduation ceremony
2009-04-28

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) autumn diploma and graduation ceremony took place this week in the Arena on the South Campus in Bloemfontein (formerly known as the Vista Campus). This arrangement has been made because of the large-scale renovations to the Callie Human Centre on the Main Campus.

Friday, 24 April 2009
Faculties of Health Sciences, Law and Theology Diploma ceremony

Law student’s achievement excels 80%
Four Law students obtained the LLB degree at this year’s autumn graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS) summa cum laude and were awarded the Moritz Bobbert Medal. They are from the left: Lezelle Olivier (80%), Albert Nell (91%) and Amanda du Toit (83%). LiFeng Chien were absent during the photo.




UFS awards degrees at autumn graduation ceremony
Today 331 students and five doctorates in the Faculties of Health Sciences, Law and Theology received their qualifications at this year’s autumn graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS). Michael Molahloe (left) and Mamokete Ntholeng both received their LL.B. degrees in the Faculty of Law.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs




This year’s autumn graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS) was held on the South Campus. From the group of students that received their qualification from the Faculty of Law, is from the left: Janine Jonson, Anneska van der Spoel, Andrea Coetzer, and Jo-Mari Visser.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs



Students in Nursing receive their degree
A group of students from the Faculty of Health Sciences received their B.Soc.Sc. degree at this year’s autumn graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS). At the occasion were, from the left: Ruth Beukes, Basetsana Panana, and Dipontsheng Tsolo.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs



UFS Faculty of Health Sciences awards degrees
Liezl Swanepoel (left) and Heide van der Merwe received their BSocSC degrees at the University of the Free State’s (UFS) autumn graduation ceremony.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs

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Thursday, 23 April 2009
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences & Chancellor’s Dinner



UFS awards unique doctorate
Dr Rodney Douglas, who had never obtained any formal undergraduate qualification, this week received a Ph.D. in Geography and Geology during the autumn graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS). The name of his thesis is “A new perspective on the geohydrological and surface processes controlling the depositional environment at the Florisbad archaeozoological site”. He had four papers published in journals that were related to his thesis. He obtained his South African Museums Association Diploma in Biology in 1988 and his M.Sc. in Environmental Biology at the University of Natal, Durban in 1992. He was accepted as a Master's degree student at that university based on research that he had conducted on, amongst others, the diets of reptiles. He has been working at the Department of Herpetology at the National Museum, Bloemfontein since 1984, where he holds the post of Principal Museum Scientist and Head of Department.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs



Chancellor’s Dinner: UFS honours doctoral students
Last night, the University of the Free State (UFS) honoured students who had received their Ph.D. degrees at the autumn graduation ceremony this past week, at the Chancellor’s Dinner. A total of 25 doctorates were awarded during the respective ceremonies. Attending the occasion were, from the left: Dr Annemarie Kühn, Ph.D. in Chemistry, Prof. Jeanet Conradie, Department of Chemistry at the UFS and Dr Kühn’s promoter, Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Acting Rector of the UFS, Prof. Corene de Wet, Department of Comparative Education and Education Management at the UFS, and Dr Mafu Rakometsi, Chief Executive Officer of Umalusi and former head of the Free State Department of Education who received a Ph.D. in History. Prof. De Wet is Dr Rakometsi's co-promoter and the late Prof. Leo Barnard, former Head of the Department of History at the UFS, who passed away at the beginning of April 2009, was his promoter.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs



Mrs Annemarie Kilian, Mr Willem Kilian (BSc. Hons) and Prof Stephanus Kilian
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe



Mr Jaco van der Merwe, Mr Renico Pretorius and Mr Rion Terblanche (all BSc. Quantity Survying)
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe



Ms Mamakoanyane Amelia Shata (BSc. Genetics and BSc. Hons. Plant Molecular Biology) and Mrs Maente Adelinah Shata.
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe



Mr Maurice Ambrose and Mr Owen Monk (both BSc. Quantity Survying).
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe



Ms Tobeka Mehlomekhulu (Lecturer: Department of Geography), Mr Neo Mokgosi (BSc. Hons. Genetics) and Ms Nwabisa Mehlomekhulu (BSc. Hons. Food Science).
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe



Mr John Mdane, Mr Fana Mdane (BSc. Information Technology) and Mrs Agnes Mdane
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe



Mr Kevin Vermaak (BSc. Hons. Geohydrology) and Ms Michelle Steenkamp (BSc. Hons. Geology).
Photo: Mangaliso Radebe

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21 April 2009
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences



Prof. Magda Fourie's daughter graduates
Nadia Fourie, daughter of Prof. Magda Fourie, former Vice-Rector: Academic Planning at the UFS and now Vice-Rector: Teaching at Stellenbosch University, received the B.Com. Law degree.
Photo: Lacea Loader



724 degrees were awarded during the ceremony of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Here are, from the left: Simon Serutla, B.Com. Accounting, Lourencia Hamuaka, B.Com. Honours in Financial Economics and Investment Management, Sunet Opperman, B. Accounting, and Yolandi Greyling, B. Accounting.
Photo: Lacea Loader



Students in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences graduated this week during the University of the Free State's (UFS) autumn graduation ceremony. Altogether 724 degrees were conferred. Here are, from the left: Marie-Louise Lombard, B.Com. Law, Adriaan van der Merwe, B.Com. Law and member of the Student Representative Council (Legal and Constitutional Affairs), Basanio Ncike, B.Com. Economics, and Richard Schooling, B.Com. Banking.
Photo: Lacea Loader



Center for Accounting honours top achievers
The Centre for Accounting at the University of the Free State (UFS) honoured the top ten students in the third-year B.Com. and B.Com. Hons. programmes respectively during this week's autumn graduation ceremony. Here are, from the left: Prof. Ronell Britz, Chairperson of the centre, Nils Kotze, first place in the B.Com. third-year group, and Madri Victor, first place in the B.Com. Hons. group; back: Prof. Hentie van Wyk, Programme Director: Accountant Training.
Photo: Stephen Collett



Accounting firms in Free State help with recognition of top achievers
Accounting firms in the Free State have contributed to a fund at the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Centre for Accounting to give recognition to top achievers in the third-year programme for the B.Com. and B.Com Hons. degrees respectively this week. It is evidence of the good relationship that exists between the Centre and the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Free State. Here, from the left, are: Mr Pieter Clase, CoetzeeSmit Chartered Accountants, Mr Oswald Wentworth, KPMG, Mr Ettienne van Niekerk, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Herman Leach, Gobodo Inc. Chartered Accountants, and Mr Stefan Strydom, Havenga, Rossouw & Viljoen; front: Mr Ian Smit, Enslins Bloemfontein, Ms Thelma Crossman, Mazars, and Ms Daphline O'Brien, Ernst & Young.
Photo: Stephen Collett

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20 April 2009
Faculty of Education, Faculty of the Humanities.



CHESD awards 15 masters degrees
A group of 15 students received the Structured M.A. (Higher Education Studies) of the Centre for Higher Education Studies and Development (CHESD) at this year’s autumn graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS). This is the biggest group in the centre's history to be awarded master’s degrees, while four of the students received distinctions. Also of interest is that six of the 15 students already have doctoral degrees. At the occasion were, from the left: Dr Dipane Hlalele, Qwaqwa Campus, Ms Liesl Hoare, Central Univeristy of Technology, Welkom Campus (best achiever), and Dr Fanus van Tonder, Programme Director: Higher Education Studies and Research, CHESD. Ms Hoare received the Deans medal in the Faculty of the Humanities as the best master’s graduate student at the graduation ceremony. At the faculty’s prize function she also received the Kovsie-Alumni Trust award as the best M.A student in the faculty. She also received the CHESD Prize for the best achievement in the Structured M.A. (Higher Education Studies).
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs



UFS awards degrees at autumn graduation ceremony
Five hundred and eighty six degrees and nine doctorates were awarded this week during this year's autumn graduation ceremony on the South Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) to students in the Faculty of the Humanities. At the occasion were, from the left: Nicola Bekker, Madré van der Merwe and Esté Scholtz. All three the ladies received the qualification B.A. Language Practice.
Photo: Lacea Loader



This year’s autumn graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS) is held on the South Campus in Bloemfontein. Today a group of students from the Programme: Governance and Political Transformation in the Faculty of the Humanities received their qualification. From the left, front are: Dr Tania Coetzee, Head of the Programme: Governance and Political Transformation, and Mr Itumeleng Liba, Chief Operation Officer at CENTLEC; back: Mr Kennett Sinclair, Vice-Chairperson of COPE in the Northern Cape, Ms Nicole Joannou, Goldfields Business and Catering, and Mr Tembeni Lobe from Bloemfontein.
Photo: Lacea Loader



Some of the students who received their qualifications during this week's graduation ceremony of the Faculty of the Humanities were, from the left: Shu-Jung Chan, B.Mus. Hons., Brian Gxavu, B.Mus., and Mpolokeng Lepote, B.A. Media Studies.
Photo: Lacea Loader



UFS’s CHESD awards doctoral degree
Ms Mardi Delport (middle), Assistant Director: Media and Communications at the Central University of Technology received her Doctoral degree at this year’s autumn graduation ceremony of the University of the Free State (UFS). The title of her thesis is: “An internal communication model for the Central University of Technology, Free State as a multi-campus institution”. With her are her promoter Prof. Driekie Hay (left), Vice-Rector: Academic Planning, and her co-promoter, Prof. Annette Wilkinson (right) from the Centre for Higher Education Studies and Development (CHESD) at the UFS.
Photo: Leonie Bolleurs 

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