Image: Awande ZwaneWith many businesses still recovering from the disruptions and losses brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions, vendors and merchants are seeking their pot of gold and a new start at the 55The roads along the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec are lined with merchandisers and vendors who have also descended to the south of Johannesburg, along with delegates, for the conference.
A merchandiser selling ANC-branded clothing including leather jackets, golf t-shirts and even fedoras, explains that he has been selling ANC-branded merchandise for over seven years and has travelled to numerous ANC conferences and events around the country. When asked how business has been going, he explains that things were tough during COVID-19 but affirms that business is slowly picking up.