Please help Steven Andrews Tours and Transfers weather the Covid-19 storm

Dear Friends and Supporters,,

I hope you guys are doing well and keeping safe through these unforeseen times that we find ourselves in at the moment.

Like so many small businesses around the world, everything came to a stop for Steven Andrews Tours and Transfers when Covid-19 came to our shores and South Africa went into total lockdown. We went from a thriving transport service to a parked bus overnight.

What a shock!

As a member of South Africa's tourism industry I have sadly received no support or financial aid from promised small business relief programmes. I have done everything possible to weather the storm, but with no luck. I have approached the government for business support, but nothing came from that. I have sent email after email to different institutions whereby money was presumed available, but still nothing.

Yet, as with all businesses, we have set costs that don't disappear just because we are not operating. Specifically, about three years ago, I took out financing for a Mercedes Benz Sprinter bus, which at that time was in high demand for the tourism sector and for that reason made good business sense. I managed to get a ‘payment holiday’ (delayed repayments for three months), which finishes at the end of July. I also posted adverts on different platforms to see if I can sell the bus, just to cover the settlement amount that is still owed, but even that is not happening because people are not buying during these uncertain times.

As things stand, I am left with giving back the bus to the finance company, which will still keep me liable for full repayment of the balance and blacklist me (negative information placed on my Credit Bureau Profile). Further, if I lose the bus, Steven Andrews Tours and Transfers will not be able to recover once everything reopens for business because of the debt that I will find myself in.

I have truly looked at all my options and for that reason I am appealing to you guys for your support. Your contribution will help us cover expenses that have become insurmountable after losing over three months of turnover. We are desperate and the prospect of losing our family business is fast becoming likely.

I really have my back to the wall. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thank you for your consideration.

Kind regards,

Steven