How troubles at ailing SAA and Post Office have converged to hurt businesses

South Africa's troubled state-owned entities have a long history of operational, financial and governance troubles which have not only placed government in a difficult financial spot but have also left South Africa's broader economy worse for wear.

In the latest instance, the challenges facing two state-owned companies have converged to create a perfect storm that is hurting small businesses in the country, with no end in sight.

The challenge involves the South African Post Office, South African Airways and South African small businesses that rely on both to deliver goods to customers in other countries that they were able to access through their online presence.