Airbnb and Takealot come together to help Hosts tackle loadshedding

Airbnb and leading online retailer Takealot have launched a R1 million loadshedding fund to help Hosts tackle the impact of the ongoing power crisis in South Africa this winter.

Loadshedding 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 loadshedding will have on their ability to host¹, especially with guests being unaware of  the cause.

The collaboration will see Takealot offer Hosts on Airbnb R500² off specially selected products to ensure they can keep their Airbnb listings bright and warm; particularly important 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 – loadshedding solutions curated with hosting in mind, and for guests’ enjoyment.

Hosting on Airbnb serves as an economic lifeline for many in South Africa, with half of Hosts saying the money they earn helps cover the rising cost of living, while over a third say the additional income helps them make ends meet. The typical South African Host earns just over R26,000 – equivalent to approximately one month additional pay for the average income earner – by renting their space on Airbnb.³

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

“Loadshedding 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.”

Velma Corcoran, Regional Lead Middle East Africa at Airbnb

“There is no denying that we all need to work together to help mitigate the impact that loadshedding has on South Africans, as well as the tourism sector. 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 loadshedding 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.”

Julie-Anne Walsh, Chief Marketing Officer at Takealot

Become a Host

Whether your goal is to travel more, to offset holiday season costs, or combat the rising cost of living, hosting on Airbnb has been made easier.

Airbnb Setup offers an easy way to Airbnb your home. New Hosts can access one-to-one guidance from a Superhost; the opportunity to have an experienced guest for your first booking; and specialised support from Airbnb Community Support agents in over 42 languages.

All Hosts also receive AirCover, including guest identity verification, reservation screening, and $3M damage protection. If you’re interested in joining the first new Hosts of 2023, visit Airbnb.com/host.