ICYMI: Ebony Park residents join the Million Seats protest
EBONY PARK – A local restaurant said that they have struggled to make a profit due to the ban on alcohol.
Busy Corner Imbizo Shisanyama management and workers joined the Million Seats protest to voice their grievances about lockdown regulations.
The Million Seats protest was organised by the Restaurant Association of South Africa. Due to lockdown regulations, the industry was only allowed to reopen at a limited capacity last month. The association said it was estimated that up to 70 per cent of jobs, accounting for an estimated 800 000 people, have been lost to date in the industry.
The protest came after President Cyril Ramaphosa banned the sale of alcohol which has affected retail shops and restaurants that generate money through its sale. Staff moved tables and chairs outside of the restaurant and held up signs highlighting the potential job losses.
Busy Corner Imbizo Shisanyama was forced to retrench its staff members and owner, Rita Zwane said, “Most senior staff members have not received their salaries and they are still willing to fight with us until the end of this pandemic as we do not know what tomorrow has for us.”
She added that she would continue to fight for the next generation. “Our parents used to sell alcohol back then and they fought for us to be where we are today. We are successful black women selling alcohol because of our mothers and their sacrifices. This inspired us also to fight for future entrepreneurs because situations like this are implemented to show a brave character.”
Public relations and stakeholder engagement manager of the restaurant, Develd Monyai said, “The selling of booze helped many restaurants including ours to generate income and create employment opportunities for the community.
“Selling food only does not generate enough income to pay workers. We plead with the government to think about the lives of those affected by this situation.”
