MEC Pat Ngomane clarifies trading hours for informal food traders during lockdown
This followed after the inclusion of informal food traders on the list of businesses permitted to trade during the lockdown period – provided they have obtained operating permits from their local municipalities.
MEC Pat Ngomane, MEC of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Mpumalanga, clarified the trading hours for spaza shops and informal food traders during national Covid-19 lockdown.
This was released as a media statement that was issued by the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
MEC Ngomane said: “Informal food traders are allowed to operate from 7am to 5pm daily.”
This followed after the inclusion of informal food traders on the list of businesses permitted to trade during the lockdown period – provided they have obtained operating permits from their local municipalities.
He added: “Business operating times relates to spaza shops and informal food traders.”
He gave notice to the three District Mayors in Mpumalanga and made them aware that uniform trading hours are being applied throughout the Province during the lockdown.
MEC Ngomane clarified: “Anyone operating outside the stipulated times will thus be operating illegally, and will be dealt with in terms of the applicable law.”
The Provincial trading times are in line with the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002) and the amended regulations, which has now included informal food traders as providers of essential goods and services during the lockdown period.
Informal food traders without operating permits are urged to contact their local municipalities to apply for such permits.
MEC Ngomane, said: “I would also like to emphasise that the selling or distribution of alcohol is strictly prohibited during the lockdown period.
“This also relates to shebeens, pubs, taverns in our townships, and any other place selling alcohol on their premises, like hotels and restaurants.
“As such, we have directed our law enforcement agencies to deal decisively with anyone trading in alcohol during this period, even if they are licensed.”
Community members are advised to continue to wash their hands with soap and water regularly, for at least 20 seconds, or to utilise sanitisers with a minimum alcohol content of 60%.
In case of emergency, they are advised to contact the National 24-Hour COVID-19 Hotline on 0800 029 999.
Regular updates on the COVID-19 pandemic can also be received by interacting with government via the WhatsApp information line on 0600 123 456.
He stressed “We further urge all businesses to adhere to hygiene and health measures as stipulated, in order to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“At all times, they must ensure that their customers keep the appropriate social distance; they must ensure that hand sanitisers are always available at the door for their customers, and they must regularly sanitise countertops in their premises.”
MEC Ngomane concluded by acknowledging the crucial role played by small businesses and cooperatives in the economy of Mpumalanga, urging them to remain committed to assisting the government to create job opportunities for the people.
“Small or informal businesses, like spaza shops and informal food traders, are the ones that actually propel our economy.
“They provide essential services to our people, and they are even closer to their doorstep.
“Their significance is even evident now, during the lockdown, as they provide essential good like bread, milk, vegetables and airtime.
“We appreciate their contribution and encourage them to continue providing these essential goods to our people.”
If anyone has media enquiries contact Dr Mohau Ramodibe at 060 989 4678.
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