Municipality issues 2 635 temporary permits for informal traders
The lockdown was a great setback as they had to give away some of their products freely to neighbours.
A number of informal traders in different areas were still closed despite temporary permits being issued to more than 2 000 residents by the City of Mbombela Local Municipality over the previous two days.
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Lowvelder Express noticed a few spaza shops operating in and around Msholozi and Masoyi.
A few hawkers found trading in White River, said being on the streets was far better than being locked in their homes with nothing to put on the table for their families.
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“We are happy that government finally considered us as one of the essential service providers and allowed us to obtain permits to sell our products. Although the town is not as busy as it would be during normal days, the few customers who visit our stalls make a difference. I will be able to buy bread and milk from what I sell today,” said Lucy Mnisi.
She has been selling fruit and vegetables in White River for the past nine years.
“This is all I did to provide for my children. The lockdown was a great setback as I had to give away some of my products freely to neighbours” she said.
The paper learned that some traders had to cut prices and sell their products for less.
“We also throw away old tomatoes, cabbage and other veggies,” they added.
Joseph Ngala, spokesperson for Mbombela Local Municipality, said 2 635 temporary permits were issued to informal traders from Barberton, White River, Hazyview, KaNyamazane, KaBokweni, Matsulu, Mbombela, Low’s Creek, and Schagen.
The issuing of permits followed after an announcement made by the minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
