Small businesses struggling during lockdown
When The Addie went around town a day after the ban was lifted, spots where informal traders are usually stationed were still empty.
Informal traders and small businesses say they are struggling to make ends meet following the national lockdown.
The decision by government to allow them to operate on April 2 was a welcome relief, but for many it has made little difference as customers are staying away.
When The Addie went around town a day after the ban was lifted, spots where informal traders are usually stationed were still empty.
“Business is bad, we’re open as a formality because we have permission to operate but customers prefer going to other bigger stores. We open for a few hours and we’re closed on the weekends,” says Israful Hossain, who has a shop on First Avenue.
“We’re also making everybody who enters the store sanitise their hands before we sell to them, and we’re not letting in more than three customers at a time,” says Hossain.
Informal trader Simiso Zangwa, who sells chips and snacks at the Springs Taxi Rank, says he has no choice but to continue operations.
“I feel like I’m forcing things, but my stomach is empty. I’ve made a few sales even though there are so few customers around,” says Zangwa.
Also read: Springs traders hit hard by Listeriosis outbreak
Neo Motaung, who also sells snacks at the taxi rank, says he’s trying his best.
“It’s quiet, we haven’t had any business. People are scared to buy from us,” says Motaung.
Small business owner Mohammed Shahajan shared similar sentiments, saying he’s stayed open because he sells essential goods but business has been slow.
“People are not taking this coronavirus seriously enough. I have had customers who come in and refuse to sanitise their hands. We’re trying to protect ourselves and our customers,” says Shahajan.
Shahajan says they’ve had trouble from EMPD officers who apparently hustle them for money.
“They have given us some trouble since the lockdown. They are not arresting us, but they just want money,” says Shahajan.
EMPD spokesperson Kobeli Mokheseng says they were no aware of these allegations.
“Both hustling and harassment, are not included on our mandate and since the 21 days COVID-19 lockdown, all operations are conducted jointly with the South African National Defense Force, South African Police Service, National Traffic Police, Gauteng Traffic Police and other Law Enforcement Agency’s so, we doubt if such illegal activity, could go unnoticed under our watch.
“If a trader feels he is being harassed by EMPD officials, the complainant is at liberty to visit the nearest police station or EMPD precinct, to report the matter.
“To article such an incident to authorities, the following will come in handy: time, date, place/area, street name, the vehicle used, registration/number plate and the color/s (if they were mobile) and name tags (if were visible),” says Mokheseng.
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