Local economy vulnerable to latest unrest

MALALANE – Not only were business affected in Komatipoort, closest to the border, but the ripple effect was felt even further and filling stations in Malalane, who are normally packed on Fridays, saw a definite reduction in clientele.

There were fewer customers coming into the station, and shops in around the centre.

Despite the xenophobic attacks seemingly being a thing of the past, workers from across the border told Corridor Gazette that they still feared for their lives in South Africa and would not shop here soon.

Mr Sizwe Shongwe, a South African carpentry businessman who travels to Mozambique daily said what was happening was not good at all.

“I drove through early on Friday to open my shop, but four kilometres into Mozambique, I was stopped and told to go away. I had clients which I had to see that day.” He also lost business as a result.

Malalane Chamber of Commerce chairman, Mr Mel Preddy, said most of the local businesses have not been too severely affected by last week’s tragic events.

He said, “The traffic to and from Mozambique was held up for a couple of hours, however once it was opened, things were back to normal. We have not received any reports that the locals businesses were severely affected by Friday’s incidents,.

Preddy furthermore dismissed claims made by certain individuals that the situation is bad, but warned that it needs to be addressed before it does affect the economy.

“This has however, dampened the interest of tourists crossing the border to both this and that side. Which is why it is important for both countries to work together towards fixing this and returning the status quo as it was,” Preddy explained.

At the time of going to print, there were no further reports of violence across the border.

According to a source employed that Malalane Sasol filling station, they are not experiencing as many customers as they have always.

It is expected that where business had indeed been slower than usual, it would pick up this week.