Spaza shop owner, Marul Islam.
PHOTO: Supplied
Spaza shops operating in the community of Gelvandale, Port Elizabeth have been struggling to make ends meet because of the national lockdown that has been in place since the end of March.
According to regulations, grocery stores, including corner shops, spaza shops and fruit and vegetables stalls, are allowed to continue operating, provided that they have the permits to do so.
Marul Islam, also known as Rocky, started a spaza shop in Gelvandale, Port Elizabeth, six years ago.
Prior to the national lockdown the business was financially stable, he said.
Islam has two employees that he has committed himself to and continues to pay their salaries in full during the current national lockdown. It is challenging because the business has lost customers, he said.
“The business [has] been very quiet,” said Islam.
Islam had a run-in with the law when he kept the business open after 6pm to allow for more customers to visit. It did not go unseen. On 7 April, the police arrested him, and he had to sign a warning at the police station.
“I do close the store on time now, because I don’t want to get into trouble by the police anymore,” said Islam.
Another local spaza shop owner, Ali Hussain, has lost money during the lockdown too. The usual closing time for Hussain is at 11pm and closing at 6pm has been the most challenging financially.
“For small businesses it is a tough time, but I have to keep my shop open during this time for the people and myself,” said Hussain.
Both owners have said that their customers in this community are poor, and they both believe that it is crucial for them to continue serving this community. According to Islam, it is especially important to remain open in a community that can’t afford to panic buy or buy in bulk.
Financial struggles during lockdown
Marul Islam and Abrahm Shalbu serve the community by keeping the spaza shop open during the national lockdown.
Photo : Supplied
Abrahm Shalbu has been working for Islam for six months. Shalbu, Islam and another employee live together in a room behind the spaza shop. Islam added he found this time financially challenging because of the expenses of keeping the shop open.
“We usually make R3 000 a day,” said Islam. “Now we make R1 000 to R1 200 and I still pay my employees because they need to pay rent and send money home.”
According to Islam, the expenses of the business currently outweigh the profits. But even though it is a tough time, he knows that he needs to keep the shop open.
“I go and buy the supplies from the big wholesalers – that takes petrol,” said Islam. Other mounting costs include the cost of bread delivery, electricity and rent of the shop.
It all requires money, said Islam. “Money I am not making at this point.”
Marul Islam and Abrahm Shalbu practice good hygiene amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
VIDEO : Supplied