It was a joyous occasion for Mtwalume uThulini Centre hawkers after Afrika Tikkun, a Johannesburg development organisation handed over 10 container shops to those who were affected by the July 2021 unrest.
Precious Ndala, marketing and stakeholder relations officer at Afrika Tikkun said they decided to give back to the businesses that lost everything during the looting, those who lost hope and could no longer provide for their families.
“More than 10 business applied for assistance and the 10 we are handing over are just a few of them. We are working with Umzumbe Municipality and Umzumbe Traditional Council to identify another space where more containers will be placed for the remaining businesses,” said Ndala.
She said the containers are durable and safe, and businesses will be given full ownership of them.
Ndala added that they chose KZN as it was one of the provinces hardest hit by the looting, and that people are willing to assist those in need.
Nomusa Ndlovu one of the beneficiaries who sold fruits and vegetables could not hold back her tears when she was handed over the keys to her container.
“My children are in school and when the unrest happened, I did not know how I was going to feed them. I lost everything. I am grateful to those who assisted us, “she added.
Hezekiya Chiliza said the unrest had a bad impact on his business and that life was not easy afterwards.
Thabile Mfeka who made a living with her vegetable stand said she still has visions of her stock thrown on the street and her stand burnt to ashes.
“Today all those bad memories will be wiped away, thanks to our sponsors. We appreciate all they are doing for us,” said Mfeka
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