The shocking truth: While big corporations like Capitec and Pick n Pay invest millions in AI customer service, 9 out of 10 South African small businesses are hemorrhaging customers due to poor customer support. But here’s the plot twist – the same AI technology that powers Standard Bank’s chatbots is now available to any spaza shop owner in Soweto for less than the cost of hiring a part-time receptionist.

The Crisis Hitting Mzansi’s Small Businesses

Last month, Thabo Mthembu’s bakery in Alexandra lost R15,000 in orders. Not because his koeksisters weren’t good enough – they’re legendary in the township. He lost customers because he couldn’t answer WhatsApp messages fast enough.