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Takealot CEO Kim Reid
The continuing ban about unrestricted electronic commerce, and a possible extension of this ban beyond next Friday, is “incomprehensible” and runs counter to the government’s commitment to the so-called fourth industrial revolution.
According to Kim Reid, CEO of South Africa’s largest online retailer Takealot.com, who said in a phone interview with TechCentral on Friday that e-commerce has been recognized in other countries as a critical component in helping to combat the Covid pandemic. -19 since it prevents people from having social contact, which can spread the disease.
“It is incomprehensible that this country cannot see the economic value it can offer South Africa online in a time of need, the social value it can offer at this time. All over the world it is open and doing exactly what it should be doing, which facilitates social distancing, “said Reid.
“There should be no limitation on online delivery to the home – No limitation! And I’m not talking about food, food is more controversial, but when we drop the delivery of essential and non-essential goods into people’s homes … it’s silly (to ban it). “
He said the government has been “myopic” in not allowing unrestricted online shopping, particularly due to the topics it so often pays to the fourth Industrial Revolution and the importance of technological innovation in the growth of the economy.
“You talk about the fourth Industrial Revolution, and all these kinds of things, well, now is the opportunity to activate and support them.” They are behind the rest of the world here. Even if they turned around and told us that online is inconsequential right now, which is nonsense, then let it happen, because you are at no risk. “
‘Sick and tired’
He added that the government “needs to realize that people are getting sick and tired of not having access to these assets.”
“They are even more frustrated because there is no reason why they should not have access to these products.” That must also be recognized. “
On Thursday night, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced plans to ease the staged blockade, reducing from stage 5 (a total blockade) to stage 4 from Friday, May 1. According to a government document seen by TechCentral, this will provide limited relief to the retail sector. In Stage 5, only essential products can be sold, including food, medical products, cleaning and hygiene products, and winter items such as blankets and warmers.
In Stage 4, the following additional products may be sold, depending on the document: books, stationery, office supplies, and alcohol (within restricted hours, for offsite use only, and in limited quantities). Restaurants and fast food outlets may open, but only for deliveries.
In Stage 3, clothing and hardware stores may also open. – (c) 2020 NewsCentral Media
