Hawkers assisted in their Covid-19 struggles
She said most of the hawkers usually earned little money and were known by most motorists as they were at various busy intersections in Pretoria.
About 90 street hawkers from Pretoria received food parcels at the Pretoria City Mission Methodist on Sunday.
The parcels were handed out by the Harry Gwala and Dumisani Chauke netball foundations.
The parcels were made possible through the Harry Gwala NGO, which is funded by individuals who were inspired by Gwala’s ideological stance and leadership.
Board member of the Harry Gwala foundation, Ntombi Magwaza-Mtembu, said: “The hawkers had disappeared from our streets and endured serious hardship as a result of loss of income during this difficult period.”
She said most of the hawkers usually earned little money and were known by most motorists as they were at various busy intersections in Pretoria.
However, due to the lockdown their income was either gone or had fallen short. Their families were going hungry during this period.
Magwaza-Mtembu said the two foundations were providing much-needed relief to the plight of these hawkers through the #WeCareprogramme.
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“Since the Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown started, it exposed high levels of poverty and inequality, most affecting the working class and the poor.
“Hence, our programme targeted newspaper hawkers, who have since disappeared from our streets without any source of income.”
She said the hawkers also did not benefit from the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), “because they are not on the payroll of various media houses and publishing companies”.
Magwaza-Mtembu said the foundations were standing in solidarity with the hawkers.
She said the Harry Gwala NGO was also serving its core mandate to preserve the legacy and ideas of Themba Harry Gwala.
“This year is the centenary birthday of Harry Gwala, a struggle stalwart of our country, who fought tirelessly for the liberation and freedom for our people.
“His selfless contribution to the struggle is hardly told, hence the need to do grassroot work to revive his memory and legacy.”
Magwaza-Mtembu said Gwala stood for the poor and vulnerable. “He was a leading voice for the landless poor and exploited”.
She said had Gwala lived long, “he was going to do the same and be their voice during this period”.
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