Last year a report found that 70% of households across poor parts of South Africa, sourced their food from the informal sector.
Before the national lockdown in March 2020, Unathi took to the streets, calling on South Africans to support local and get your fresh produce and supplies from street vendors who were earning an honest living.
The lockdown hit many of the local street vendors hard, most unable to make any money. A majority of the vendors rely on daily sales as their only source of income.
Using the profits from the sales to support their families, pay for school fees, rent, and buy necessities.
Yesterday Midday Joy with Unathi wanted to go back to the street vendors to learn more about their day-to-day.
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Kaya 959 News reporter Katleho Sekhotho, spoke to a few vendors on the streets:
Thabiso from Ga-Rankuwa became a vendor after failing to find employment. He decided it was either this or sitting around doing nothing.
He got tired of asking people for help every month and started his stall so he could support himself with the little he makes. Thabiso has been a street vendor for 10-years.
Rose Shabangu from Nelspruit has been a vendor since 2002. She sells socks, masks, scarves, beanies and other every days must-haves for both adults and kids.
Another street vendor who didn’t want to be named has been selling fruits and vegetables since 2009 but business isn’t doing well. On an average day, she makes just R400 and has to find a way to get by.
Something to note when buying from a street vendor is to not bargain with them. It’s disrespectful especially when their prices are more than reasonable.
