Informal traders call for relief funding amid riots, looting
The South African Informal Trader Alliance (SAITA) has called on government to assist the informal sector with relief funding.
The country's law enforcement agencies are battling to contain the ongoing riots and looting in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Shopping outlets and informal trading businesses have been forced to close their doors and pack up their goods due to destruction and vandalism of property.
SAITA president Rosheda Muller says government must increase the monthly stipend to informal sector workers.
"We call upon the government to make good on the monetary aid promised to the informal sector workers and to increase the initial amount to R1 000 per person per month during the duration of the lockdown.
"The distribution thereof should commence immediately.
"All informal workers must be provided with regular supplies of sanitisers and masks for their personal protection."
At least 72 people have died as a result of ongoing violence and looting in the two provinces.
