Zululand informal traders high and dry during lockdown

As the tourism industry collapsed like a house of cards across the planet, dealt a savage death blow by Covid-19, so did the fragile livelihoods of thousands of informal traders across South Africa.

This ‘missing’ strata of the economy accounts for an enormous number of self-employed citizens who rely entirely on their customers to earn a living.

ALSO READ: More unplanned babies expected this year

In rural KZN – the country’s second poorest region – key attractions include the two largest game reserves, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP).

Alongside and within these protected areas are hubs of curio and craft sellers, artists and weavers for whom the usual steady flow of visitors ensures their daily bread.

Large markets such as those at St Lucia’s estuary jetty, town and main beach, Sodwana Bay, Kosi Bay, Hluhluwe town, Zamampilo on the N2 and the Centenary Centre inside HiP closed down in late March.

But despite a subsequent ruling that informal traders could resume business under permit, there was little point for those servicing the non-existent tourist market.

The sector is mostly comprised of women, many being the sole breadwinner for large families, but it is difficult to ascertain numbers as most are not formally registered as businesses.

For this reason, the majority do not qualify for any government business relief apart from the basic income grant.

Thoko Sibongile Mlungwana (52) of Khula Village near St Lucia has for years sold craft, fruit and vegetables at the McKenzie Street market in St Lucia.

ALSO READ: Two nabbed in Mtubatuba with elephant tusks

Through this she has supported six children and three grandchildren, paying study fees for three attending tertiary education.

Before Covid-19 forced its closure, this one market alone supported 70 traders sharing 20 tables.

‘Since lockdown we have not received any support from the government.

‘Our children are too old to qualify for grants. As traders, we were promised relief but nothing has materialised,’ said Mlungwana.

A week before lockdown she had used her savings to buy more stock which now sits piled up in boxes awaiting the return of tourists.

To date, the only relief the park authorities have been able to afford some of the residents and neighbours of the protected areas is food parcels dealt out last month, but they too are limited in resources and heavily reliant on tourism for revenue.

Although originally earmarked to reopen at Level 1, the tourism sector urgently appealed to government to review the decision on reopening the trade, motivating for limited activities to be allowed from Level 3 in the hopes that this may provide a lifeline and stem the damage for the many thousands left destitute by the lockdown.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 072 069 4169

Instagram – zululand_observer