BACK TO NORMAL FOR BUSINESSES

MBABANE – All businesses will revert to normal operating hours.  This will include clothing and furniture shops, among others, that have been opening for three days in a week and strictly operating on the stipulated days and times.

A total of 20 businesses, inclusive of those that will be resuming operations on Monday and the rest that have been operating under strict regulations, were announced by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo during a press briefing that was held at the Cabinet Offices yesterday when presenting revised guidelines for businesses that have been allowed to operate.

However, the minister made it clear that the  businesses excluded liquor trading stores, whose operating hours were limited and were only allowed to operate from Monday to Thursday, from 11am to 5pm.
Also excluded, are businesses which fall within COVID-19 hotspots, precisely in Manzini, which has the highest number of COVID-19 cases.

Emergency

“It is very important, however, to note that even though business operations have been relaxed, the measures of a national emergency and partial lockdown are still in full force. Therefore, emaSwati are strongly advised to adhere to them at all times. It is the responsibility of every liSwati to
protect themselves and each other,” the minister said.
Khumalo said this shall also give people the opportunity to do their shopping once and stay at home thereafter. He said local authorities and security forces shall continue to advise and intensify control measures within Manzini and other hotspots.
He said all previously operating businesses shall continue to observe the guidelines as announced.

Echoing the minister on shopping at least once and staying home thereafter, National Commissioner of Police William Tsintsibala Dlamini said police would be vigilant and deal with those who would visit town to gallivant.
“Now that shops have reverted to the normal operating hours, we expect people to utilise that opportunity for shopping and other priority things. Police are so vigilant that they can actually spot a person coming to town for the second time and those would be dealt with,” he said.

The ministry shall work in collaboration with the Royal Eswatini Police Service, regional administrators, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Eswatini Revenue Authority to strengthen their inspection exercise.
“We therefore urge all businesses to ensure that they comply with the guidelines as stipulated; failing which, government shall close down these businesses and effect stiff penalties as regulated. The issuance of operating permits, therefore, shall be put on hold for now except where businesses require them for cross-border purposes,” he said.
The minister then urged members of the public to report all businesses that failed to adhere to the guidelines by calling the NDMA toll-free number, 112.

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