The rise of the black market under lockdown
You’re not a truly South African if you don’t find humour in every problem, even if it’s a global crisis. Thereby the Twitter streets, the national lockdown declared by President Ramaphosa has been likened to a Netflix series, the extension being “Season Two”.
South Africa is currently on Season Two of the national lockdown after the President has extended it until the month-end. Season One was filled with much confusion, as most of us didn’t know or understand some of the regulations, others didn’t want to accept.
The lockdown came with strict restrictions of the sale of alcohol and cigarettes, amongst others, and boy, South Africans were not happy.
As a result, they relied on the underground markets for supplies, the Toni Sopranos and Don Vitos of this world.
Veteran writer and journalist Gus Silber recently tweeted: “Underpreneur: a new breed of South African entrepreneur, operating under the radar to offer customers alcohol, cigarettes and quite possibly, roast chicken, during the lockdown. A thriving new sub-category”.
Never mind the middle class crying over the ban of Woolies roasted chicken, the black market has seen a boom in sales, basically of all that is banned, especially cigarettes and booze.
In true mafia-style, you don’t have much choice in the black market, you take what’s available, and you’re simply “given an offer you can’t refuse” because the prices are ridiculous.
I kid you not, a bottle of London Dry Gin that would normally cost you R130 at Tops goes for R250 if you’re lucky, R400 at the most.
A six-pack of beer goes for R200 when in fact it’s about R99 or R100.
This here is a cash-only economy, so sorry Sir, your VISA card is no good here.
Supply and demand in a nutshell, and if you’re slow, you lose. Transactions differ from township to township, but one thing is common, secrecy is paramount, and to achieve this, some of the most creative and some bizarre tactics have been used disguise these from the eyes and ears of the powers that be.
In true prohibition-era style; a stash house nearby, never ever buy directly from the owner’s house or tavern. Small boys moving about might seem innocent, they’re not, they’re probably delivery boys linking you and your supplier who, at all times, remain anonymous.
This, however, is not limited to the townships, suburban South Africa is also in on the act, although with sophisticated ways of doing it.
So move over the mainstream, it’s time for the underdogs. Whether servicing the townships or the burbs, where there is a demand, there’ll be supply, and these illicit traders are filling that gap, but who is complaining, though…? lol