Many informal traders have been left with hungry families during the national 21-day lockdown.
ALSO READ: Man arrested with Sassa cards in Izingolweni
However, leadership from Mbizana Local Municipality and SASSA has thrown a lifeline to more than 80 traders.
The overjoyed traders, who have barely been able to eke out a living on very quiet streets in Bizana, received the parcels, containing food and essential products, from Mayor Daniswa Mafubatha.
It’s no secret that the lockdown has forced most informal traders off the streets.
Many have wondered where their next meal will be coming from.
Recently, Co-operative governance & Traditional Affairs, Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, announced informal traders would be allowed to trade again.
ALSO READ: Zimasa in the Zone: Is there life and security beyond the extended lockdown?
However, while the announcement can be seen as a positive, many traders are also worried about the coronavirus, never mind the lack of customers.
Informal trader Masabela Xabendlini (31) expressed her gratitude to the municipality.
“Thank you for the lovely gesture, our children will at least have something to eat in the coming days,” she said.
She also encouraged everyone to heed to the president’s call and stay home for their own safety.
According to the municipality, the initiative is part of its plan to provide relief to those in distress due to the pandemic.
The municipality said that, because of this pandemic, it understood that many of the informal traders adversely affected, for some it being the only way they could provide for themselves and families.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
