Informal traders suffer major blow due to lockdown

Coping with the cut-throat competition of established retailers has always been a major disadvantage for many informal traders.

While many of them managed to established their own markets, the vendors have been dealt another blow, which will see them not at their trading stands for the next 21 days.

The national lockdown declared by the President included informal trading as part of the stringent measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Some informal traders in Roodepoort have found this declaration difficult to swallow and they foresee the worst during this inevitable period.

The Northsider spoke to a number of distressed vendors in Witpoortjie to learn how they plan to survive during the lockdown.

Informal trader Yusuf Samb, who sells shoes and bags outside the former Spar in Witpoortjie, said staying at home will be difficult for him as trading is his only source of income. “I have no choice but to stay at home and see how the lockdown goes,” he said.

Unlike food vendors who had to try and sell everything before midnight struck on 26 March, Samb said he was relieved that the goods he sells do not expire or rot.

Another trader, Jeanette Banda, 58, said the three weeks will be a nightmare for her. “It’s going to be difficult because we didn’t prepare for this. We have children at home and rent to pay, which are essentials,” she explained.

While she sat next to her displayed goods, she could only pray that someone would buy her items. “We’ve been struggling to make ends meet since the closure of the Spar, and this virus is making it even worse to survive,” Banda lamented.

Before concluding the interview, Banda’s tears were wiped by a generous buyer who purchased socks and told her to keep the change.

In light of the outbreak, vendors aren’t the only traders taking a knock. Restaurants and some shops also had to stop doing business until 16 April, which will affect their profits and operations.