Before president Cyril Ramaphosa announced the national lockdown, Barberton had been experiencing a five-week period of civil unrest.
This meant that schools were closed, businesses reported serious losses and residents lost huge amounts of money. James Bruinders (not his real name) owns and operates a car was along General Street and the financial implications for him were tremendous.
“I lost any hope of making money during the strike, just when I thought things were back to normal, the coronavirus came along.
“With it, any work went out the window. I mean, my clients are not allowed to move around during this time. This year has been one disaster after the other,” he said.
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Rejoice Vezasie agreed, “What about the people who don’t have TV’s? They don’t know how the virus gets spread and why they have to stay home.
“This is why there is still so much movement in Barberton, especially in town. People are flocking to buy food whenever they have some money.”
A quick visit to town proved her right. There is still a tremendous amount of movement, with people queuing up to make the necessary purchases to see them through this period.
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One positive sign was that the stores were fully implementing the six feet rule to promote social distancing, and enforcing the sanitising of trolleys and their customers’ hands.
Liquor traders, who have been shut down completely, face major losses, but for a price, you may still buy a packet of cigarettes, or a litre of beer from illegal traders who have sprung up all over the area.
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“I bought a six pack of dumpies for almost R200 and was tempted to buy a box of Heinekens, but at R400 a box, the price was way too steep for my liking,” said a resident who travelled as far as Emjindini to satisfy his vice.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has deployed personnel into the area and this has had somewhat of an effect on residents’ movements.
For now, the streets are relatively deserted, but Vezasie asked, “What will happen when those who don’t have access to food and the basics, run out again?”
