The ANC's Interim Provincial Committee's Oupa Khoabane says a report they received indicates that most of these vendors who were denied an opportunity to sell their products on Saturday, are women.

"Women carry the burden of poverty in society more than men, any effort to thwart their business initiatives works against our policy intentions to alleviate poverty. The National Conference took a firm decision that bureaucratic obstacles that stand in the way of entrepreneurial initiatives of people should be removed without delay, if we have to boost economic development and enhance job creation. Our struggle for development of society cannot be fully realised if it ignores women’s daily struggles. Empowerment of women is key,” he adds.

He says that there are some government institutions such as municipalities whose actions hinder entrepreneurial efforts of emerging business initiatives.

Khoabane apologised for the action and to the sellers for the senseless action against them. He also promised that the Free State ANC will take up the matter with the municipality.

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