Street vendors in Atteridgeville today expressed a sense of joy to be back in business after being affected by the COVID-19 lockdown.
Minister of cooperative governance, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, announced last week that informal traders could again start operating.
One of the store owners, Mr Metsa Mpherone, said they are happy for what the government did and having permits makes them feel relieved because they will work in peace.
“Of course we are happy because even the Police are not bothering us anymore.
“We just wish that they can take us halfway with R1 500 at least to cover for our loses when our stores were closed and we lost stock”, he said.
“I wish they can meet up halfway after this lockdown with some money at least +-R1500 you see. They can just think of us as we lost some stock but only for us who have cards working forum and we know each other you see,” she said.
One of the street vendors, Mr Richard Msiza, said “It is nice to be back again because this is where we get money to buy bread.
“We do not have permanent jobs so if we don’t come here to sell we starve, we are happy for the permits,” he said.
