Dear Members,

What a tumultuous time the past few weeks have been for all of us. We are living through unprecedented times as I write this. As we all try and adjust to this lockdown, our thoughts go to the brave people who are working night and day to try and stave off a massive rise in infections.  We also urge everybody to adhere to the strict conditions of the lockdown.

 

With the immediate focus on helping tourists leave the country or finding them a safe abode in which to see out the national lockdown, we will focus our attention on sourcing and sharing accurate information about the various support and relief schemes available to our members.

 

At this time, I would like to reach out to you about the work that SATSA is doing on your behalf during this crisis and talk about your SATSA membership.

 

I believe all members would join me in applauding both the Big Ambitions team, especially Natalia Rosa, as well as the SATSA Head Office team, led by David and Hannelie, for the sterling effort and late nights that have gone into providing up-to-date, relevant information and for providing the platforms for our members to receive invaluable guidance in critical areas relating to their businesses. They have gone way beyond expectations and we have received countless notes of thanks and appreciation from you. My favourites being:

 

“A fantastic initiative! Maybe I am premature in saying this but, when this is all over (please Lord, when!), your communications will serve as a PR best practice case study. Appreciate everything you guys are doing – and SUPER glad we paid up before this hit!”

 

“Thank You All. Very informative and great to know our Business of Travel and Tourism is in good hands”

 

“Just a quick thank you for all you are doing for the industry. Just so you know it does not go unappreciated.”

 

“Many thanks for your tremendous work!!! It is very comforting to know that we have SATSA advocating for us. The suggestions make great sense.’’

 

“Thanks so much for the webinar today, I felt so much better/calmer knowing there is a caring community out there! Really appreciate it and can’t imagine how hard you are all working.”

 

My thanks also go out to the SATSA Board and Manco for their support during this time and especially our Vice Chair, Rob Hetem, for the free coaching he has provided. Some of the feedback we have received in response to Rob’s efforts:    

 

“It was great to talk with you yesterday evening, someone to discuss things with at this stage is awesome. It made me feel much better, I am going to do my utmost to keep us in business.”

 

“Thank you SO MUCH for taking your time with us today! Highly appreciated and very useful info.”

 

We know that there is value in being a SATSA member. This has been evident as this crisis evolved. We realise, however, that many of our members’ businesses have been negatively affected and that your cashflow may be under severe pressure.

 

To alleviate some of the pressure and considering our collective current circumstances, I am pleased to advise the following decisions taken by SATSA’s Manco:

• For the time being SATSA will not require the normal annual review documentation (financial and insurance compliance) and will re-evaluate this decision once the crisis has abated. Members are still required to complete the online form, including contact details of critical staff who should receive SATSA communication
• As announced previously, payment terms are available for members as follows:
  1. Monthly payments between end March and end October 2020 – 8 months
  2. Quarterly payments between Quarter 1 and 3 – end March, end June and end Sep
• SATSA’s membership certificate will be issued once the online form has been completed and full or partial payment has been received 

Whilst we are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, in particular, Bidvest Bank who have recently renewed their commitment to SATSA, the vast bulk of our income comes through the membership fees. If these dry up, so does SATSA.

 

As with all of you, we also anticipate that the association will be affected by the current crisis and the SATSA Board is working closely with the Head Office Executive team scrutinising every expense line to bring costs down to an absolute minimum. But there is no time greater than now for SATSA to be able to operate and function fully. We need David out there continuing to work with the TBCSA and the public sector to ensure that your best interests are front of mind and that we are already starting to look beyond this crisis.

                                                                                                                                         

To assist us in planning, mitigating risks and managing our services to you, we would be grateful if you would please indicate your payment preference, if you have not done so yet, to info@satsa.co.za (Virginia Modau) before 3 April 2020.

 

Guys, we will emerge from this disaster. I have no doubt that the world will look very different when we do. However, let’s hunker down, stay safe and start preparing for our inevitable recovery.  

 

Yours sincerely,









Tony Romer-Lee

SATSA Chairperson