What You Need to Know
Informal traders in Teya-teyaneng, Lesotho, reported that their sales remained unchanged during the festive season, contrary to expectations. Traders like Mr. Kolo Pelesi noted a decline in sales due to high competition and anticipated a further drop in sales post-holiday. The informal trading sector is crucial for many Basotho, yet it faces significant challenges.
Africa-Press – Lesotho. Informal traders in Teya-teyaneng Berea have on Monday emphasized that their businesses remained unchanged before, during and after the festive season as same clients at a regular though popularly known for spending.
During an interview with the agency, one of the informal traders Mr. Kolo Pelesi who has been selling goods before covid-19 Lockdown highlighted that they have not experienced the usual festive season boost since starting their businesses after the covid-19 lockdown.
“Sales have gone down because there are too many of us selling the same products.” Mr Pelesi said.
He further elaborated that they are expecting sales to drop further from Mid-January to February, which is typically the slowest period of the year.
On the other hand, the other trader Mr. Lehlohonolo Manko said business was generally the same with a slight improvement for about two days during the festive period.
Informal trading is the key source of income for many Basotho, particularly in areas like Teya-teyaneng. Traders sell different goods every day from small stalls and kiosks, but the sector faces challenges such as high competition and limited customer spending.
Informal trading has long been a vital source of income for many in Lesotho, especially in urban areas like Teya-teyaneng. This sector has grown in importance as formal employment opportunities have dwindled. However, informal traders often face challenges such as intense competition and fluctuating consumer spending, which can severely impact their livelihoods.
The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated the situation, as many traders struggled to recover from lockdowns. Despite the festive season typically being a time of increased sales, many informal traders have reported stagnant or declining sales, highlighting the ongoing economic difficulties faced by this community.
