‘This has set us back’: Restaurants affected by looting

The looting has devastated many businesses and the restaurant industry like many is still trying to get back on its feet due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

As malls and properties were hit by looting and destruction in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi saw his restaurant in Kliptown, Soweto ransacked.

Pictures emerged on social media of Lekgwathi standing in front of his Grootman restaurant, a victim of the lawlessness in Gauteng.

Lucky Lekgwathi’s restaurant is not even three months old. Now is in complete and utter ruin. Tomorrow when he’s struggling, the same people who ruined his business and his livelihood will say he wasted his money when he was playing football. pic.twitter.com/ek0euPlyUb

— A Dog That Bites (@SkepeMatsebane) July 12, 2021

Which other restaurants have been affected?

Humble Coffee in KZN

Speaking to The Citizen Amy Scottland, owner of  Humble Coffee in Durban, says her coffee shop has been closed since Monday. She decided to stay closed on Tuesday as a precautionary measure. Scottland didn’t at first want to believe the fearmongering.

“We were forced to close by our landlord, they insisted we close as the protests were occurring in the Empangeni area nearby.”

As owners, they were hearing a lot of stories being shared among themselves, fearing they could be the next in line. 

“We have six employees now without work, we also have to throw out stock that can’t be used. Restaurants were excited for the reopening of sit-downs to meet customers again but this has set us back again.” She says they will assess the situation and make a decision when to reopen. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Kota King SA

Known as the destination for one of the best kotas in Gauteng, Kota King SA in Protea Glen closed its doors for lack of stock. Owner Rhulani Shiambo said a nearby mall was burnt down on Monday less than 2km from his restaurant. However, he decided to stay open as people were still ordering food.

“We ran out of stock for Tuesday, as we couldn’t source any stock anywhere. It has hurt the business as we really wanted to operate but safety comes first.”

Doughnut Girls and Wicked Girl doughnuts

Many small bakeries and restaurants in KZN took the decision to prioritise their staff safety by closing shop. These include Doughnut Girls and Wicked Girl doughnuts in Durban. 

 

 

 

 

 

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