'We are desperate': Gauteng informal traders battling under lockdown


Informal traders in Gauteng on Thursday called on the government to allow them to work.
Image: EUGENE COETZEE
A non-profit organisation representing thousands of informal traders in Gauteng on Thursday called on the government to open up the economy to allow them to work and feed their families. 
“We are desperate to resume trade so that we can put food on the table for our families and regain our dignity,” said the Johannesburg Informal Traders Platform (JITP).
It also expressed concern over an alleged lack of consultation by the government.
“They are deeply concerned that government has not consulted them to understand the impact of the lockdown on their livelihoods,” said spokesperson Ntakuseni Tshikosi.
Tshikosi said they had been asking the government to allow the sale of cigarettes and hot food, among other products and services.
“While we understand that the president has the unenviable task of balancing lives and livelihoods, we are disappointed that all measures that are taken currently benefit everyone except informal traders,” he said. 
“Allowing restaurants to open for take away orders, and opening the economy to e-commerce, while good, does not serve the informal trade at all.” 
The government recently permitted restaurants to resume operations for deliveries only.

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