13/04/2020
To whom it may concern
We, as entrepreneurs/small businesses/vendors/traders name it what you want are hardworking, proudly South African citizens. We cook, bake, stitch, weld, craft, buy and sell but our informal small businesses and livelihood are at risk. When working in the past we have complied with municipal regulations and laws pertaining to our industry.
We are proud of the fact that during tough economic times the last few years we had supported ourselves and made a contribution towards our economy. Winter and summer, rain or sunshine we persevered to create an income for ourselves and our families. Regardless of race or gender we are a family of traders who have supported and encouraged each other so far.
But now, during the Covid-19 crisis our businesses are in trouble. There were fewer markets during December and January nobody had money to spend at markets. February we had rain almost every weekend resulting in cancelled events. During March everything collapsed and in April nobody will be able to earn anything. Most of us were already living from market to market and were not able to make provision for this crisis that are facing us. All festivals and markets for the next three months have been cancelled also. 90% of our traders cannot trade online or deliver. We don't qualify as essential services and we are not part of the tourism value chain. So far we don't qualify for any emergency packages and our government has implemented no measures so far to benefit us against the economic impact of Covid-19. We see ourselves as a major part of the economy and as job creators but the consequences of the lockdown are devastating to most of us and we are not going to survive without financial assistance. We as traders are not included in any platform and nowhere is any mention made of our entrepreneurs as small businesses.
Most of us, working for ourselves are not UIF registered. We don't qualify for loans and support offered by the government or receive Sassa allowances. The consequences of the lockdown is devastating to us and most of us are facing an unprecedented emergency with our very livelihood.
We immediately complied with lockdown regulations but most of us have zero income now and are facing financial hardship.
What can be done for our entrepreneurs in this situation? We have explored all available avenues so far and we don't qualify for anything.
We cannot go and entertain people on Facebook and ask for donations. We can sell online but we cannot deliver and consequently no payment is made. For almost four months nobody is going to earn a cent, this is really a cause for concern.
We need someone out there to hear what we are saying, to help us looking for a solution. We need recognition and support so that we can continue after Covid-19 to help the economy of our country grow and provide for ourselves and our families.
Is there any solution for us?
Yours sincerely
Rina Bester
0711106907
And so are we at Hunger Busters also suffering loss of income as stated above. We have no means of generating extra fynds during lockdown and this hits hard
