Impact of Covid-19 on SMMEs and the future sustainability measures: a systematic review

Abstract Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) have made remarkable contributions to enhancing the economic growth of South Africa. The emergence of COVID-19 retarded the growth of SMMEs due to the lockdown imposed by the government on the 23rd of March, 2020. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on SMMEs and the future sustainability measures. To achieve the objectives of this study, a systematic review was adopted and 150 articles were downloaded from various databases for the study. Findings obtained from the study revealed that several authors from different continents have made wide contributions to revive SMMEs amidst COVID-19 disruption. The recommendations made to SMMEs include amplifying their communication networks and adopting e-commerce options, as well as Social Network Sites to reach out to their customers. Other recommendations include the adoption of transactional leadership, strategic management, employee management, financial management, and effective collaboration. The study further recommended that the government should endeavour to provide funding opportunities to SMMEs, improve the provision of infrastructure and enhance the effectiveness of the business environment. The study concludes that the SMMEs that were affected by the interruption of COVID-19 would be revived if the recommendations of this study are applied.