The Chairperson of the Libode Hawkers (Informal Traders) Association, Mthuthuzeli Mtikitiki, has urged young people struggling to find jobs to consider becoming hawkers as a way of supporting themselves. He made this statement at an event held at the Libode Town Hall last week to mark the association’s year-end celebration.
He added that they no longer seek employment from others, as they have realised that they can achieve a lot by selling from their stalls. Mtikitiki explained that they supplement their income through stokvels (community savings schemes). However, he expressed frustration over the municipality’s reluctance to issue permits to young people who want to become hawkers.
“This is our biggest challenge. We appeal to the municipality to issue permits because job opportunities are scarce. Even if the municipality sets limits, we still encourage young people to get involved in business. Instead of waiting for someone to give you money, stand up and do something,” he said.
Mtikitiki also shared his personal journey, revealing that he began selling apples in 1996 and has never been formally employed. Another hawker, Kutala Maqwana (59), said she supports her family not only as a hawker but also as a farmer.
“I am a single parent, and I raised my children with the money I earned from selling. I started by selling sweets, and on my first day, I made only R2.00 but I did not give up. Today, I have my own house, and I can pay school fees and feed my four children without asking for help from anyone. I’m proud of what I do, and no one can tell that I don’t have a husband or anyone to depend on,” said Maqwana.
She urged unemployed people not to underestimate the potential of street vending, explaining that she initially worked as a domestic worker before deciding to start her own business. The Chairperson of the Nyandeni branch of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC), Mziwoxolo Madolo, also emphasised the value of selling.
“Never underestimate the power of selling oranges. There are children who have bright futures today because their parents sold fruit to support them,” said Madolo. He revealed that he started by selling bread at a hostel while working at a mining company.
“Today, I own Dololo Funeral Parlour, and many people do not believe me when I tell them where I started. I advise young people to stand up and sell something even if it’s just sweets. It does not mean you’re losing yourself. Every business has ups and downs, but you must not give up,” he said.
Madolo also urged municipalities to create spaces where young people can start their businesses. “Youth must not be arrested for trying to sell. I have seen too many instances where their goods are destroyed in towns. I appeal to the municipality to support them. Do not only show them love when you need their votes. It would be great to see hawkers with proper stalls that protect them from the sun and rain,” Madolo added.
Nyandeni Local Municipality Mayor, Councillor Viwe Ndamase, suggested a shift in thinking, proposing that citrus fruit could be grown locally to reduce reliance on distant suppliers.
“We have a college in Libode where we can cultivate citrus fruit. You can even plant fruit trees in your own garden. While selling is important, we must also look at entering the production sector. Let’s change our way of thinking and try something new. We want people who engage in practical activities,” said Ndamase.
Ndamase also addressed the issue of business licences, saying that some local residents misuse their licences by giving them to foreign nationals.
“If people continue this misconduct, the municipality will not issue new licences. I want to make it clear we will not allow anyone to sell out our country. People here know that I monitor these areas closely, so I am aware of what is happening.”
