Hawkers close up shop in anticipation of possible June 30 violence
Informal traders closed up shop from today, as they fear an escalation of violence during tomorrow's nationwide protests.
Informal traders who operate their businesses along Newcastle’s bustling Scott Street were closed today, and will remain closed tomorrow (June 30).
The hawkers’ shelters along Scott Street are almost exclusively run by foreign nationals.
They fear the anti-immigrant rhetoric may trigger intimidation, violence and looting as the March and March movement gears up for nationwide protests against illegal immigration, which take place tomorrow.
Municipal officials verify business permits
Only one hawkers’ shelter in Scott Street was operating at the time of publishing.
The Senegalese businessman who runs it, said municipal officials had visited the area a few weeks ago to check that everyone operating a hawkers’ shelter is documented and possesses the permit required to conduct business legally.
He said he too will be closed tomorrow until he feels that it is safe to open again, adding that the hawkers’ had also closed during the March and March protest in Newcastle on June 27, to avoid any incidents.
No money, no peace
“It is really affecting our business, but we can’t do nothing,” he said. “We don’t have the power to do anything.”
The Senegalese national confided that he too has grown weary of the growing anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa and wants to return to his home country.
“In this country now, there is no money …and there is no peace, so why stay?” he asked.
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