Informal clothing traders outside the ANC’s National General Council (NGC) in Boksburg say sales have dropped to their lowest levels ahead of the Christmas season a time when they usually rely on major ANC gatherings to boost their income.
This comes as ANC delegates have arrived at the Birchwood Conference Centre in luxury vehicles, some escorted by VIP protection, creating a stark contrast with traders who say they are barely making enough to survive. Nompumelelo Ngema, who has been selling clothes for 15 years, says business has never been this quiet during an ANC event.
“Business is a bit slow. It’s the first and second day, so hopefully it will pick up,” she said.She says the rainy weather has made things even harder. “The weather has been on and off sometimes it’s raining so that has been the disruption.” For Nomahlubi Ngwenya, the slowdown is devastating. She says selling ANC merchandise has always helped her support her family.
“This business has helped a lot. I provided for my family, I paid school fees for my children. But the economy we are in now is killing us because everything is slowly collapsing,” she said.
Another trader, who did not want to be named, says he stocked up heavily expecting the usual crowds, but he is now worried he may not recover his costs. “The first day was slow, the second day is worse because all delegates are at the commission,” he said.
He says he normally makes around R7 000 at an event of this size but this week he has made only R700.
“My stock starts from R100, and the highest is R700. I took debt hoping to pay it back after this event.” Sipho Moloi, who sells books mostly biographies and autobiographies ranging from R230 upwards says he is also experiencing slower traffic than in previous years.
These gatherings have historically attracted thousands of ANC members, with traders lining the streets selling party regalia and memorabilia. But this week, many say the usual economic benefits are simply not materialising.
