The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on all aspects of our lives. As people adopt and adhere to social distancing practices, many have turned to online shopping.

As the wrecking-ball of the pandemic has swung through the small business sector, it has brought into sharp focus the importance of this component in South Africa’s wider economy.

South African banks have come under fire for processing debit orders earlier than usual in December. But even as account holders express shock and frustration at curt SMSes notifying them of the date changes, financial service providers say it is common for accounts to be debited early in December.