03 Jun 2020

While countries like Rwanda and Kenya have taken  decisions to ban the sale of second hand imported clothes, Botswana has continued with the sale of such clothes commonly known as ‘bales.’

The business, which is women dominated, became part of Botswana’s informal retail sector almost two decade ago and is common in most towns across the country. 

Batswana who ventured into the business normally import the clothes from Zambia, Italy, and the United Kingdom (UK).

However, since the government imposed lock down and restricted movement measures across the country, the business has come to a complete standstill and restocking has proved difficult and more expensive.

For those who survived on the sale of the second hand clothes especially the unemployed, their future seems ‘bleak,’ since it is next to impossible to import clothes due to the closure of borders following the outbreak of COVID-19.

The numerous women who make their living from this trade are finding business difficult because customers had to stay home.

Ms Omphemetse Demana who runs a small market stall at main mall, known locally as Inama boutique, said the sale of second hand clothes had sustained her family for many years.

She said she got her bales from Malawi or Zambia several times a month which include ladies’ skirts, blouses and coats.

It has now become difficult for her because she is not able to cross borders to buy new stock.

“I am now forced to buy from the local warehouses which are very expensive hence making little profit. 

The demand for our products is very low compared to the season before lockdown as most people are not coming to the market” said Ms Demana.

Several customers countrywide, have expressed fears over buying second-hand clothing saying they might catch the virus through the use of the clothes.

Another trader, Ms Idah Matlhare, who have set up stalls in flea markets across the city, said the decline in the sales was apparent.

“We have made attempts explaining to our clients that we have not imported any products before and during lockdown, but, they are still very skeptical and some are no longer coming to our stalls,” said Ms Matlhare.

Similarly, Mr Onkemetse Letsile who also buys imported second hand clothes from Tanzania, said the COVID-19 pandemic economic effects had taken a heavy toll on their trade.

 “It is becoming increasingly difficult as most of us here, live on hand to-mouth, if we cannot work for extended periods of time or push more quantities of our stock, our family’s income is at risk, we cannot pay rent nor buy food for our children. 

I acquired a small loan early this year, and invested in a second stall at another market and it is now hard to service the loan as I have no income,” he said. ENDS