It was business as usual in the Kimberley central business district on Thursday as large numbers of people did their shopping following the payment of social grants.
IT WAS business as usual in the Kimberley central business district on Thursday as large numbers of people did their shopping following the payment of social grants.
Several stores, especially supermarkets and clothing stores, were open for business while street vendors also capitalised on the large number of people in town, selling their goods on the pavements.
While most people were wearing masks, there was little sign of social distancing as shoppers stood shoulder-to-shoulder waiting for an opportunity to enter stores, with many queues stretching for several metres.
At the entrances to stores, security personnel limited the number of shoppers entering and provided hand sanitisers, but on the pavements there was little evidence of the one-metre social distancing regulation.
Several shoppers were accompanied by young children, who stood with them in the queues.
At supermarkets, like Shoprite, the queue snaked around the corner, while several clothing stores were also swamped with customers.
Informal traders, selling clothing and food, especially fruit and vegetables, said they were very happy that they were able to trade again and earn some money to take home to their families.
Roads in the CBD were also busier than they have been since the restrictions were implemented, with parking at a premium, as the normal hustle and bustle of the city returned.
