Depending on loan sharks to survive

With the economy not at its best, residents in the townships of KwaDukuza find themselves with no choice but to depend on loan sharks and grants to put food in the table.

This comes after food, transport and accommodation prices have sky-rocketed. The Courier spoke to residents of Shayamoya, Etete and Nkobongo to find out how they cope.

Zinhle Thabekhulu from Shayamoya is working as a domestic worker in Salt Rock, and earns R2500 a month. A single parent of two children, she now spends R1000 on food where previously she spent R700. Daily transport costs have shot up from R540 a month to R600.

She needs R600 for rent and she still has to send R1000 home to her mom, which she says it is not enough. However, her mother will use her grant as well and get food for their family in Eshowe.

“My expenses are more than what I earn, therefore I have no choice but to get money from a loan shark. I also receive the child support grant and it that is helping a bit,” said Thabekhulu.

Another resident, Thembelihle Phungula, is a UNISA financial accounting graduate who is working at a decoration company in Ballito. She earns R4000 a month and sends a R1000 to her mother in Maphumulo. Her monthly costs are R1200 for food and rent, R600 for transport R600 a month for her child’s school needs. She tries to save R600 for emergencies.

“I have a child to support. I pray and believe that I will get a job of my dreams one day where I do not have to worry,” said Phungula.

Winnie Xulu, who is a vendor in Shakaskraal said they are aware of the financial difficulties facing their customers, however they had no choice but to increase prices.

“The prices of fruits and vegetables are high and we also have rates to pay. It is tough,” said Xulu. The increased price of taxi fare is one of the major gripes of locals depending on taxis to get around.

However taxi owners have their own financial challenges to overcome. The Courier had spoken with the late Dolphin Coast Taxi Association PRO Mdu Tony before he passed away. He said taxi owners are aware of the challenges facing the community however, they had no choice but to increase prices in the beginning of July.

“Last year we did not increase the prices but this year we had no choice. Taxis needs to be kept in good condition and a taxi needs petrol, therefore we had to increase the fare,” said Tony.

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