A message from all of us at Atterbury
Key takeaways:
- South Africa is demonstrating remarkable unity and positivity in tackling COVID-19 challenges.
- Government leadership, including President Ramaphosa, has shown exemplary management of the crisis.
- Atterbury supports all government regulations and has implemented strict hygiene protocols.
- Shopping centers remain open for essential services while non-essential buildings are closed.
- Multiple financial relief programs are available for affected businesses.
- Management teams continue working remotely while remaining accessible.
- The company remains committed to weathering the crisis together with all stakeholders.
We are an amazing nation
In times of extreme difficulty, it’s heart-warming to experience the positivity with which all of us in South Africa are tackling the significant challenges caused by the many inconveniences caused by our collective efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 disease.
The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, the cabinet, the National Command Council set up to deal with the pandemic and everyone else involved in managing our country’s response in these difficult times have done an exemplary job. We are united in our collective praise for the leadership shown by government, all political parties, business and civil society.
Atterbury supports all the initiatives, regulations and other guidance provided by government aimed at limiting the spread of the virus.
There is no doubt the lockdown announced by President Ramaphosa will cause considerable disruption to our daily lives and business activities.
The aim of this message is to inform you about Atterbury’s approach to these challenges.
Please support all governmental regulations with us
- We call upon you to support and implement all the governmental guidance and regulations to stem the tide of COVID-19.
- Atterbury has implemented a variety of strict actions, systems and procedures for personal and physical hygiene and cleanliness for staff and all the premises under our management. Social distancing has been inculcated in everything we do. We call upon you to do the same.
Essential services
- Our shopping centres remain open to provide adequate access for the provision of essential services as guided by the various applicable governmental regulations.
- Security will be maintained to ensure safe trading for essential services.
- Normal trading hours remain in place for essential businesses that continue to trade. If you need to adapt trading hours, please let us know immediately so that we can use our considerable communications platforms to assist with conveying these messages.
- Buildings and premises not used for the delivery of essential services will be closed and locked down. Security is in place for the protection of the physical infrastructure.
- Please switch off non-essential services such as lights, water, air conditioners and the like before you leave to save as much as possible during the lockdown period.
Insurance cover
- We urge you to contact your insurance cover providers to ascertain your level of possible income loss cover.
- Please share your insurance policies with your centre and building managers before the end of March, for us to be able to review it with you for guidance and advice.
Assistance for businesses
- The government and business institutions such as banks have announced a wide array of assistance measures for individual businesses affected negatively during this time. We urge you to avail yourself of all possible relief assistance programmes available to you in general and in your sector. Please register and apply urgently for all relief opportunities open to you.
- Herewith a list of the currently available opportunities for relief (assistance packages and opportunities are announced continuously, so please follow reputable media for additional information):
- The new Solidarity Fund
- Small Business Development relief
- Debt relief measures from commercial banks
- IDC relief packages
- Tax savings and extensions from SARS, including PAYE and VAT measures
- UIF and CF safety net interventions as stipulated by government
Atterbury management availability
- Our management teams are all working from home, except for essential services that may call for physical availability, while strictly respecting guidelines for social distancing.
- We remain available to assist you with emergencies. Contact schedules are in place, which means you will always have someone to contact via phone, WhatsApp, ZOOM, email and an array of other communications tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Atterbury supporting the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Atterbury supports all initiatives and regulations aimed at limiting the spread of the virus, including implementing strict hygiene protocols and social distancing. They call upon all partners to follow governmental guidance to help stem the tide of COVID-19.
What essential services remain available at Atterbury properties during the lockdown?
Shopping centres remain open to provide access to essential services as guided by government regulations, with security maintained for safe trading. Buildings not used for essential services are closed and locked down to protect the physical infrastructure.
What financial assistance is available for businesses affected by the crisis?
Businesses are encouraged to apply for relief through the Solidarity Fund, debt relief from banks, IDC packages, and tax extensions from SARS. Atterbury also urges tenants to review their insurance cover for possible income loss and share policies with managers for guidance.
We will remain one
Thank you for your commitment to weather this storm with us. We are delighted to see that along with the hardship, our country and its people across all spectrums are up for the challenge and are doing everything possible to stop the ravaging effects of the COVID-19 epidemic in order to come out stronger, together on the other side.
Be aware, stay safe #coronavirus
From all of us at Atterbury
