#IMadeMyMark: Informal trader shares his hopes for May 8 results

With about a month to go before votes are cast in the May 8 elections, most South Africans are appealing for their cries to be heard by national leaders.

Dlezakhe Madlala is no exception at 60 years old.

For the past two years, he has been selling fruits and vegetables from the back of his bakkie in Jeppestown area.

He has used this trade as a means of providing for his family.

After arriving in Joburg from Escort, KwaZulu-Natal in 1976, Madlala worked at a housing company for more than 40 years before he was retrenched in 2017.

Challenged with finding new employment after this, Madlala took stock and in 2018, started his small business as an informal trader.

Although it has not been easy, Madlala said he finds fulfillment in being the go-to vendor for the freshest and loveliest fruit and vegetables in the immediate vicinity.

Also read: #IMadeMyMark: Are you eligible for a special vote?

Madlala hopes his vote on May 8 will enable the government to extend a helping hand in order to alleviate the plight he faces, along with many other informal traders.

He hopes the elected government will act in the interests of the poor and not just make promises to do so during election campaigning.

“Most companies will not hire me any longer because they say I’m very close to the retirement age,” said Madlala.

“I’m urging the government to create employment for us, but also to create safer trading spaces for informal traders like myself.

“Joburg used to be a very clean and inviting space to come work and live in.

“I am urging for the government to put South Africans first and to consider our position as citizens. We want to provide well for our children and also want to see them prosper later on in life.”

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