Introducing the Godmother
Over the last week or so, I have been somewhat preoccupied, trying to help a friend sort out the bureaucratic snafu, I told you about here, and mused about whether a GoFundMe campaign was something to think about.
Well, since then, there have been some developments:
At the beginning of last week friends with premises and a licence came to the party - so to speak - agreeing that my friend could move her business into another licensed premises - rent free - until such time as the bungle had been dealt with.
So the week started on a positive and hopeful note. But, as the cliché goes, it was too good to be true. For various reasons the licencee, because of the death of his business partner (I wrote about it here), whose estate has not been wound up, cannot legally "add" Q to that licence.
News which arrived only after she had cleaned, tidied the garden and moved stock and furniture into the "new" premises. So, after a week of no trade, she had to start exploring even more options.
She did.
To no avail.
The only glimmer of light, which we hope is the end of the tunnel, rather than the proverbial train, is that an industry watchdog has referred her to a deputy director in the licencing body. However, by the close of business on Friday, she'd had no reply to her email, and the person's direct line was permanently engaged.
In the meantime, and after Monday's news, The Godmother swung into action. The GoFundMe campaign has been launched and is here. In addition to the chronology of events which I outlined in my previous post, it outlines the implications for Q if snafu is not sorted. And yes, in case you are wondering, the Godmother only swung into action with her full knowledge.
Please feel free to visit the campaign and share it as far and wide as you possibly can.
All income from this post will be donated to the campaign, so please upvote and resteem. I will keep you posted about developments.
Finally, in anticipation, and as a token of thanks, here is our garden's first tea rose of the season
There it is - until next time
Fiona
The Sandbag House
McGregor, South Africa
Photo: Selma
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Posted from my blog with SteemPress : http://fionasfavourites.vornix.blog/2018/10/20/introducing-the-godmother/
Great work that you are doing Lady Fiona and just like your friend we are also praying to be released from our own bind soon! Blessings!
In a country trying to build up from within a technical recession, it is crazy one has to get through so much 'red tape' just to earn a living.
Not going to elaborate on this, nor ponder too long, negative feelings drag one down, trying hard, very hard to remain positive!
Absolutely, Joan. Hopefully some resolution this week. The Western Cape Provincial Government has a Red Tape Reduction Unit. It's helped me in the past and the matter went to them last week and in less than 24 hours she was referred to the Deputy Director. Anyhow, as I said, line constantly engaged.
I get the logic behind a bureaucracy which has a purpose. It should function properly though. This snafu smacks of negligence and human error. Epic system failure.
Red tape, the cost of compliance and the toxic atmosphere of government and parastatals is why I closed my business and am looking at alternative ways of earning a living. Hard, very hard, but actually in some ways, a whole lot less stressful.
All of that said, with what's coming out and the actions being taken, I am a whole lot more positive about this country than I have been in years.
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uvoted and resteemed!
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Don't you love how countries want small business to thrive, and then they heap on the owners, a gazillion loops that are needed to be jumped through in order to be able to trade. It's no wonder so many businesses close their doors within a couple of years of opening them.
True story, @steveblucher! And the banks want to help small businesses but are so risk-averse that that is mere lipservice. Same goes for the government where they could manage the risk by looking carefully at the past history and experience, but no, they profile and if you don't fit into the profile, nothing.
In a country where unemployment is at 26%, I would have thought that more would be being done to support ANY business that has the potential for growth and therefore also employment.
I have no words, sometimes.
Thanks for stopping by, and for the support.
Update in due course.
I hope it all works out for her . Meanwhile the landlord got Theban garden dine and the store cleaned for free !
@blanchy, thank you. Actually, I suggested that she charge the landlord for the work done! I'm hoping that there is some resolution this week. I will post an update as and when. Thanks for stopping by - much appreciated.