Zebras match: A game changer for vendors

Lindiwe Mozola | Tuesday September 8, 2015 15:43

 

To control the number of traders who entered the new stadium last Saturday,, Francistown City Council (FCC) conducted an impromtu raffle in which those admitted pickled a ‘yes’ and those rejected picked a ‘no’.

Those  lucky to have picked a ‘yes’ not only went home with a serious windfall but also  a lifetime experience.

Kebadiretse Goitsemang a street vendor who brought airtime, sweets and fruits proclaimed that he made 10 times more than what he normally grossed in a month.

He, however, could not disclose how much he netted from the stadium.

“This was a game-changer in my business although I know that a chance like this might not come again.   I am, however, pleased with the outcome. I will use the money earned from over the weekend to expand my business,” he said.

He extended his gratitude to the FCC and the Botswana Football Association (BFA) for allowing them to sell at the game as a way of supporting the informal sector.

He said that the selection was also done fairly without any favouritism.

“I was lucky to have picked a ‘yes’ and everything was transparent.  No one had to pay anyone to get a ‘yes’.  I believe this is the beginning of greater things in our sector because big games of this nature will continue to grace our town and more money for us,” said Goitsemang.

Gadzanani Ndlovu indicated that although she was at first sceptical about taking her chance, it was worth it because like Goitsemang she made a lot of money at the game. “At first I  was reluctant to go there knowing that there will be a lot of people and where there are many people, fights and thieves are bound to disrupt business.  However, everything went well and the cooperation between customers and us was at its best,” she said.

She noted that the new stadium is the best thing that ever happened to the informal sector in Francistown looking at the fact that Botswana games are coming in December.

Naledi Seletswane who was selling national flags, stickers, T-shirts, bandanas and other regalia said that she had brought a lot of the merchandise that was sold out by 12 noon before the game.

“I could have made a lot of cash if I had brought more of my merchandise, but I am not complaining because I sold reasonably,” she said.

She added that the new stadium has put Francistown on the map.

“Above all, we thank the FCC, which did not want to leave us behind as the informal sector.. It made us proud that we are being recognised as contributors to the economy of the city,”  Seletswane added.