Raising the roof for Salt Rock beach vendors
Before the shelter was refurbished, the vendors struggled with the original structure that leaked and was in dire need of repair
A group of Salt Rock vendors are thrilled with the newly renovated shelter where they could sell their products.
The vendors operate next to Salt Rock Beach and the Salt Rock library and have been in the area since 2007.
The newly-renovated shelter, that was handed over two weeks ago by KwaDukuza mayor Ricardo Mthembu, accommodates at least six vendors, who spend most of their day selling a variety of products including hats, beaded jewellery and shoes.
Before the shelter was refurbished, the vendors struggled with the original structure that leaked and was in dire need of repair.
One of the woman, Gladys Ngcobo, matriculated in 2007 and said she had struggled to find a job and eventually started selling crafted items to earn an income.
She travels daily by taxi from the Shayamoya township, and says the fares are a big expense.
This combined with the cost of damaged stock due to bad weather meant that she frequently ran her business at a loss.
The shelter has brought more customers to the marketplace, and has also helped the vendors keep their goods, and themselves, dry during rainy weather.
Although the shelter has brought revival to their business, the vendors still face significant obstacles.
Ngcobo said the open sides of the shelter still allow rain to enter, damaging their wares.
Theft is also a big issue.
The market is also too small for all the vendors, and some items are left out in the open due to a lack of space.
Despite these problems, the vendors are looking forward to the July holidays, which will see an increase in visitors to the Salt Rock main beach.
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