Navigating the Unknown

The one thing I have discovered about myself and the WDBIH team is how adaptable we are. In the past few weeks our homes have become makeshift offices, and in spite of disruptions (in my case, with a 3yr old, this means almost constant disruptions), we are still able to get things done. As humans, we might be creatures of habit, but we are also incredibly able to adapt to change – if we put our minds to it. The discussions and work conducted with my colleagues and our partners attest to this ability to be agile and to strive for excellence as we go with the flow of whatever working from home throws at us.

While we adapt to the “new normal”, as an organisation we know that adaptation will not be easy for many – for our learners who are away from their school desks (for how long, who knows?); for our young entrepreneurs – many of whom simply cannot operate at the moment; and for the women in our rural communities, who depend on their daily turnover from their small businesses to feed their families. These people are at the heart of WDB and the reason we do what we do.

 

As humans, we might be creatures of habit, but we are also incredibly able to adapt to change – if we put our minds to it.

 

The response from government and the private sector has been encouraging – with many donating a percentage of their salaries to the much-needed Solidarity Fund to support SMME’s. In addition, we have seen the banks, financial services and telecoms companies find ways to support small businesses and individuals during this time.

WDB Investment Holdings has taken the decision to contribute to the Solidarity Fund and believe that at this stage, a largescale coordinated effort will be the most impactful. We are also looking at ways to offer support to our staff and interns during this period while they work from home. As an organisation, we continue to support the programmes of the WDB Trust and this lockdown pause has given us the opportunity to look at other meaningful ways we can further contribute to the youth and communities going forward.

 

The big question is what comes after lockdown, what happens once the coronavirus crisis has passed?

 

The big question is what comes after lockdown, what happens once the coronavirus crisis has passed? In an economy that was pretty shaky to start with at the beginning of this year, how will we, as corporate SA, be able to deal with the economic fallout of Covid-19? The answers lie not only in the figures and the practical actions we can take, but in ways that our companies, and each of us can show our humanity. Right now is the perfect time to get creative in a way that no business school or degree can teach us. #StaySafe #StayHome #StayInspired.

Rose Mamabolo

WDB Investment Holdings