Comments for A Spaniard in the Works

Comment on Where are tourism’s Titans, and why is the tail wagging the dog? by Greg McManus

Greg McManus — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 19:46:40 +0000

What a refreshing take. I have been echoing the sentiment that there are no leaders in tourism anymore. Pandering to a Minister or Department – scared to offend, has not worked. Nor does it ever. Just look at the Taxi industry and what they achieved with a few roadblocks and threats. Not that I support that kind of behaviour, but in the past, we had leaders who were more than capable of getting an unambiguous and strident message through some very thick heads.

Comment on Where are tourism’s Titans, and why is the tail wagging the dog? by Michael Honsa

Michael Honsa — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 08:45:59 +0000

AUTRIAN CONSUL, Otto Stehlik is my landsman and his brilliance and success is legendary. It cannot be better said than in his own words, what unimaginable damage the incompetent corrupt gouverment in South Africa did and daily still do to this country, its people and the economy. Its beyond sad and disgusting, that people who’s only qualification is skincolour are not only are able to running the country, but also able to shamelessly destroying the most beautiful country in the world, and get away with their loot and crimes. Never any consequences for any of those Thugs and Thieves , no matter how brazen, outraging and evil their crimes are.

Michael Honsa
Austrian

Comment on Life goes on… but Hope is not a Strategy by Bertha Holtby

Bertha Holtby — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 13:51:16 +0000

Thanks for the discussion. We are in Johannesburg Midrand and all of us, being Guest houses are going to lose our business. Everyone has been told – work from home, no local business, international clients can’t fly, no business. We really would love the Country to pull together, like the banks, Vodacom, DSTV – we are trying to keep hygiene, but what about the help for small business. Have cut costs where ever I can – staff cut, crying my eyes out to let staff go, just don’t have any choice. My money will run out in three months time. Please help us. This has only been a week. The thought of it carrying on for four months is going to be devastating for us all. I am running around and cutting costs where ever I can and trying to help my staff where I can. Thanks for listening.

Comment on Life goes on… but Hope is not a Strategy by admin

admin — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 11:24:30 +0000

Listen to the voice note… Province is working on lots of plans.

Comment on Life goes on… but Hope is not a Strategy by Arno Van Zyl

Arno Van Zyl — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 11:18:53 +0000

So basically all small business owners are on their own? My B&B and my wife’s restaurant WILL go bankrupt and the COCT and Western Cape Government will do nothing to assist? Great to know they have our industry’s back…NOT!!

Comment on Life goes on… but Hope is not a Strategy by Christine Lamberth

Christine Lamberth — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 11:14:58 +0000

Thanks for the newsletter and the thoughts. I have been getting more and more angry at the fact that our government – and business is doing NOTHING to mitigate what is going to be disaster for small business and for their employees. I am frankly quite shocked that the Unions have not started negotiating with government for some relief of some sorts.

So, here’s my suggestions –

1. Get all banks to waive service fees for the next two months.
2. Get landlords to waive rentals for two months.
3. Get banks to defer mortgage bonds and lease payments and add them to the end of the contract period.
4. Get Eskom to waive electricity payments and implement a payment scheme to catch up in 60 days time.
5. Get credit card companies to waive service fees and defer any commission payments owed.
6. Get insurance companies to waive insurance premiums for 60 days and implement a payment scheme to catch up
7. Get municipalities to waive rates and taxes for two months and implement a payment scheme to catch up later.

And if you do all that then small business will be able to probably still pay their employees some part of their salaries and they won’t starve.

I can’t believe that no one else has thought of this!!!

I hope you can pass this onto the powers that be.

Comment on Life goes on… but Hope is not a Strategy by Marco Nicolai

Marco Nicolai — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 11:05:52 +0000

Is imperative the Government accept in full the memorandum of the DA.
Where ask for small and medium business don’t pay for at least 4 month all the obligations as Credit cards, Home Loans, Vehicle loans.
I am in the end of my saving of only 30 Thousand rands and no bookings or potential business in the future soon.
I will not renew my lease and I will storage my home.
And live in different places after the storm end.
If the banks and the government don’t help all my efforts of years of work will be vanished. I will turn 60 next 3 of April and I feel tired and devastated.
Please SATSA and all the big player have to help to the smaller ones for together can sort this damage.
Thank you for the opportunity to express My concern in this tragic times.
With regards

Marco Nicolai
Managing Director
https://www.capetravelonline.com/

Comment on Is this another example of corruption or complete incompetence at SAPS? by Mila Giganti Curchod

Mila Giganti Curchod — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 00:06:15 +0000

as the saying goes…it is all Who you know. Many countries: and, nowadays NOT only 3rd world ones – have a lot of burocracy and, in all aspects in life. When people relocate – well, a lot of surprises as nothing is as one wexpected it. In some instances for better and and in others for worse. So, let us take each obstacle as a “challenge” and, as the saying goes: ” Winners never quit and quitters neer win” . Nothing is “easy” in life….as we all know. All sent with best intentions and, yes, I have lived in various parts of the planet: Now, Happy in Ozzieland (after years of rollercoaster of emotions and financial losses but, one thing for sure NO REGRETS as Edith Piaf said it Rien du Rien) – Have a great day!!

Comment on Is this another example of corruption or complete incompetence at SAPS? by Mila Giganti Curchod

Mila Giganti Curchod — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 00:02:13 +0000

Very true. Now, try to get a permanent visa in Oz….far from easy. One has to not only have the qualifications and more but, “the job” is to be done by a Reg . Immigration Agent : your first consultation is Free. However, if you decide to go ahead – no problem: Pay $Oz 10.000 (yes ten thousand upfront). When you…eventually get the visa (it takes quite a long time and while living and producing in Australia = meeting the criteria that applies for Business Visa Holders) – well, one has to pay another $Oz 10.000: Money makes the world go round. We have choices but, one thing for sure: no free lunches and everything comes with a price tag. Cheers

Comment on Is this another example of corruption or complete incompetence at SAPS? by admin

admin — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 09:22:43 +0000

I get everything you say, Ron, but I think you’re missing one point. If there is a three to four month backlog in processing PCC requests, how can an agent short circuit the backlog and provide the PCC in a few days? The only way I can think of is having someone on the inside who is prepared to do special favours. And this usually involves bribery of some sort.