SDI (Supplier Development Initiative) is an existing services-on-demand platform that uplifts micro-suppliers across multiple industries.
Faced with what our President has described as “…a medical emergency far graver then what we have experienced in the last 100 years…” SDI realised that it is precisely these micro-suppliers who could play a much needed role in ensuring the delivery of a multitude of critical services that would be required in ensuring that we win this war against the virus, from both a medical and socio-economic perspective.
“It is with this in mind that SDI has put together a team of experts, who will operate under the banner of SDI FORCE, to ensure that this network of micro suppliers, will ultimately allow us access up to 50 000 activators on the ground, that are experienced at working with technology, are able to play a much needed role during these trying and difficult times” explains Andile Ramaphosa, SDI Co-Founder.
Whilst SDI FORCE was initially set up to focus on and assist the homeless in and around Johannesburg during the lockdown period, by providing logistical support and food-packs, sanitisers and other essentials it soon became apparent that we could, in fact, by virtue of our access to and relationship with the micro suppliers and other top platforms like Loadit, Tradeway, Sweepsouth and Aweh Africa do so much more.
The value we have always recognised in these micro-suppliers has not gone unnoticed by government and we have now partnered with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the Department of Social Development and the City of Joburg in collaboration with the Gauteng MEC Panyaza Lesufi.
The scope and focus of SDI FORCE has now been broadened to include the elderly and other groups of people with a view to assisting in meeting their needs on a national basis during this lockdown period and beyond. This is a massive challenge and we are appealing to you to not only contribute your smarts, but use your social media network to gain far reaching support for this initiative.
In these very difficult times, we must, if we are to overcome this crisis, accept the simple reality that we must do more, care more and never forget that we are after all one nation. If ever there was a time for us to stick together, to help others out, it is now. It is not a time to be inactive. While the virus has brought about significant physical constraints it must not be allowed to constrain our humanity.
“We are in uncertain times, and everyone is anxious,” explains Brad Fisher, ADreach Managing Director and Co-founder of SDI. “But as much as it’s difficult to be quarantined in our homes, things are far worse for those whose livelihoods are already compromised. Waste collectors, robot traders and car guards play an integral role in our society, and this lockdown is going to completely cut them off from their everyday source of income. We need to assist them. If we don’t, they will not survive. It’s that simple.”
So how can you help. For the moment we need to focus on the basics like food and hygiene. To this end SDI FORCE and the ADreach Group have partnered with Unity Values who will be managing an auditable online fundraising initiative to purchase food and hygiene packs for those in need. All packs will be distributed daily throughout the national lockdown by government-approved distribution and logistics agents. Every R1000 donated helps to feed a family for three weeks. The ADreach Group (Investor and stakeholder in SDI) has already pledged R50 000, and is now challenging other companies and appealing to the public to make further donations to this worthy cause. This can be done on – http://www.unityvalues.com/sdi
As the world deals with the devastating effects of COVID-19, we have to consider those South African citizens who may die from starvation, exposure and malnutrition. We can all play our part in helping our country through this pandemic, please support SDI FORCE – and spread the word.
