JOHANNESBURG — Traders in Nelson Mandela memorabilia made a pretty penny in the past week, hawking everything from scarves, portraits and any collectibles bearing the former president’s image.
Even at this week’s memorial at the FNB Stadium, sweeping rains didn’t put vendors off flogging ANC regalia to the more than 60 000 people who attended. They also flocked to Mandela’s house in Houghton and his former Vilakazi Street, Orlando West home in Soweto.
Vendors said they planned to descend on Qunu in the Eastern Cape to continue their trade.
Thembi Zwane, who started trading African National Congress (ANC) memorabilia in 2011 and was one of those outside Mandela’s home in Houghton, said there had been heavy trade despite the rain.
And Zwane said that most of the buyers were South Africans, not foreign visitors.
“It is nice to be witnessing good business, but at the back of my mind there is that uneasiness about this funeral and the man we are going to be putting to rest,” Zwane said.
Another street vendor, S’busiso Mlambo, said he, too, felt troubled.
“I am here making money just because it’s the only way I survive.
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“I always go to where ANC events are taking place around the country. That is the only way I make a living. I will also be going to Qunu both as a trader and a mourner. My business partner is already there,” he said.
— BDlive
