24 Aug 2020

Ms Keneilwe Shoshong, a street vendor in Mahalapye, says even though the COVID-19 regulations are meant to ensure people’s safety, they have negatively affected her business. 

The 27-year-old explained that the beauty and make-up business, which she started in September 2015, was doing well before the pandemic hit the country, but since the country’s first lockdown, she started making a loss as some of her products expired.

“Events have been cancelled and only a few people are allowed to attend weddings, therefore I am not making profit,” she said, adding that the use of masks had worsened the situation because people were no longer interested in wearing lipstick and make up.

Ms Shoshong stated that she bought most of her products from South Africa and Tanzania, therefore travelling to those countries for stock was now a challenge as borders were closed. 

“I am afraid that I might get the virus as I work with different people daily. However, I have to do this in order to put food on the table,” she said.

She said another challenge was competition from beauty salons as people mostly preferred to go there, rather than to an open space. 

“Harsh weather conditions such as rain and strong winds force me not to operate, and this affects my business,” she lamented.

Ms Shoshong said although there were challenges, people needed to find ways to make a living while they also abide by the COVID-19 regulations. 

She said she used latex gloves to ensure both her and her customers’ safety . ends