Airbnb and online retailer Takealot have launched a R1 million (€48 890) load shedding fund to help its short-term rental hosts tackle the impact of the ongoing power crisis in South Africa this winter.

Load shedding continues to cause widespread disruption, and with many hosts on Airbnb not having access to the tools and products they need to offset the regular power outages, over 60% are worried about the impact load shedding will have on their ability to host, especially with some guests being unaware of the cause.

The collaboration will see Takealot offer Hosts on Airbnb R500* (€25) off specially selected products to ensure they can keep their Airbnb listings bright and warm as the cooler weather approaches.

The list of products includes everything from inverters and UPS devices, to gas cylinders, pizza ovens and rechargeable light bulbs.

In an Airbnb survey, half of hosts said the money they earned helped to cover the rising cost of living, while over a third said the additional income helped them make ends meet.

According to Airbnb, the typical South African Host earns just over R26 000 (€1 270) – equivalent to approximately one month’s additional pay for the average income earner – by renting their space on Airbnb.

Airbnb has also shared tips with its community on hosting during load shedding, including how to improve energy efficiency and ensure guest safety when the power cuts hit.

Velma Corcoran, Regional Lead Middle East Africa at Airbnb, said: “Load shedding has a crippling impact on all aspects of daily life in South Africa and we know it is a concern for hosts too. Hosts would like to give guests the experience they need and expect, however mitigation using alternative energy solutions can be expensive, especially when the rising cost of living is putting further pressure on South Africans’ pockets. The partnership with Takealot will help support Hosts with the upfront costs and enable them to continue to provide a seamless experience for guests.”

Julie-Anne Walsh, Chief Marketing Officer at Takealot, stressed the importance of private-sector organisations working together to mitigate the impact of load shedding.

“We’re proud to work together with Airbnb on this initiative so that we can help lighten the load for Hosts and their guests. We hope that, as South Africa’s home for load shedding solutions, and with our nationwide delivery and collect options, we can help reach as many Airbnb Hosts as possible, from across all corners of our country.”

*R1 000 (€49) minimum spend. One redemption per coupon. Valid until June 30 (or up to 2 200 total redemptions whichever comes first) on selected load-shedding products only.