Impact of COVID-19

The Coronavirus is fast spreading around the world. In recent days the number of infected people in South Africa has increased significantly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those directly impacted by COVID-19.

Based on the experience of other countries, we expect a big increase in infected South Africans in the coming weeks. Global markets have crashed with many industries and companies under threat. Governments around the world are taking drastic measures to try and contain the spread of the virus and to support their economies.

Our priority is to ensure the continued good health and safety of all Sasfin’s stakeholders – which includes you.

As the virus continues to develop, we have taken proactive measures to ensure that we are best prepared in the event of disruptions to work.

Certain precautionary protocols are already in place including:

 

· The introduction of a “no touch” policy at Sasfin

· No international and local air travel for business purposes

· Internal and external meetings to be limited to essential meetings

· We are leveraging tech such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom to enable remote collaboration

· Any employee who feels unwell or exhibits any flu-like symptoms, will remain at home

Over the past several weeks we have already tested the feasibility of a remote, work-from-home arrangement with a large contingent of our staff complement. Fortunately, through the application of modern technology, we are pleased to say this in the process of being formally rolled-out. Our staff are equipped with the resources required to operate optimally be it at the Sasfin premises or offsite.

If you are running your own business, to assist with "emergency remote work", Microsoft is making Microsoft Teams available for free for the next six months. Microsoft Teams is a communications platform that enables amongst other things: workplace chat, video meetings, file storage. For more information on the offer, click here.

 

All of our offices, nationally, together with our switchboard and all frontline, client-facing employees including your relationship managers will be contactable through the usual channels. If you are unable to get hold of a particular person directly, please email info@sasfin.com whereby your query will be escalated to the appropriate department.

Let me again emphasise that the Board and Executive Management of Sasfin are working day and night to ensure you receive the level of service you are accustomed to.

As a nation, togetherness has never been more critical than now. In President Cyril Ramaphosa’s words as he addressed the nation on Sunday evening: “United we are strong, but divided we are weak.” He went on to say that we must “act swiftly with purpose and collaboratively as this has the potential to bring us closer together. We need to co-operate, collaborate and take common action. All of us need to play our part. This too will pass, but it is up to us to determine how long it will last.

While it remains business as usual, we implore everyone to take responsibility for their personal hygiene, to remain calm and to work together to mitigate against the further spread of the virus.

Regards,

Michael Sassoon

CEO, Sasfin Holdings Limited