Many countries in Africa have ended restrictions and lockdown measures put in place during the height of the pandemic.

In South Africa, which had the highest number of Covid-19 cases on the continent, this is a welcoming move for many industries; especially the hospitality sector.

According to figures, nearly 400, 000 people in the restaurant industry lost their jobs at the height of the pandemic. And the unemployment rate is said to be at a staggering 35.3%.

So with all that the country has faced and with so many people losing their livelihoods, today Alan, who’s recently returned from South Africa, speaks to two businessowners about how their businesses were affected in the last two years and asks if South Africa’s economy can recover and get back to its feet.

Sakhumzi Maqubela is a restaurant owner in Soweto and Thato Mothopeng runs an event management company.