Soldiers on Parade, Lives on Pause: SANDF celebrations dazzle Thohoyandou streets while local traders and commuters feel the pinch. Picture Credit: Supplied
By Ndivhuwo Mukwevho
Thohoyandou – While scores are excited and embracing the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) armed forces displays in Thohoyandou, public transport drivers and informal traders are in pain as they are unable to earn an income due to road closures.
Most of the roads leading to Thohoyandou CBD have been temporarily closed down making it impossible for scores to make their way to the biggest town in Vhembe. The roads have been closed to make it easier for SANDF to showcase their skills during their street parade. Their celebrations will continue until the early hours of this coming Sunday.
Armed forces day is a dual purpose occasion which is dedicated to honouring the men and women in uniform by the SANDF.
Speaking to Timeless News, Maanda Tshikovhi, a taxi driver, who ferry commuters from Tshakhuma to Thohoyandou says that he has not been able to work since Thursday and he does not know what he is going to tell his employer.
“To be honest this is as painful to some of us as taxi drivers because we are unable to work and our lives depend on this job. On a normal day, I am able to make about R1800 a day but since yesterday, I haven’t been able to even make a R100 as the main roads to town have been remained closed for most hours of the day,” says Tshikovhi.
Tshikovhi says that he fails to understand the main thinking behind the SANDF celebrations being done in areas where others people main source of income are affected.
“Why should the SANDF job affect my job? Is it because my job is not important? I fail to understand the whole planning behind all this. They are doing their job, so we should also be allowed to do our job without being negatively affected by their celebrations,” says Tshikovhi.
Agnes Mulovhedzi from Lwamondo village sells chicken dust and pap in the Thohoyandou CBD. But on Friday, Mulovhedzi was unable to make it her work station to open her informal market due to lack of public transportation.
“Fridays and weekend are usually the most busiest days for my business but due to what is happening in Thohoyandou, I was unable to make it to work today as they are no buses today on the road due to road closures by SANDF and I am in pain as I am losing money,” says Mulovhedzi.
Mulovhedzi says that with one of the highest rate of unemployment in Vhembe, the SANDF celebrations should have been organised in a that does not affect local businesses as their the main sources of income for many residents.
“We love our soldiers and what they do for our country but their presence is our areas should not affect our business as we will not be refunded for the money we lost during their celebrations,” she says.
Grace Ramasimu is a cashier at one of the retail stores in Thavhani Mall. She says that she had to hire a private vehicle at the cost of R250 to take her to work as she had to use alternative road. She usually spends R40 a day to and from work.
“I had to pay extra today in order to get to work as I fear losing my job. I depend on this job for survival but the presence of soldiers in our area is proving o be too much for some of us who are being negatively affected,” says Ramasimu.
To others the SANDF parade has proven to be an eye opener and a welcomed entertainment.
“It is the first time in my life seeing so many soldiers in one place. It feels like I am watching a movie, I am so happy to have lived to see all this. Even for young children it is exciting times because they are able to see how SANDF operates and which materials do they use,” Mulalo Baloyi, a resident of Tshilungoma village, outside of Thohoyandou.
A formal celebration programme is scheduled to take place tomorrow (Saturday) at Thohoyandou stadium and the public has been invited to attend.
