Mixed plate of responses to the ‘million seats’ call

We are not committed to participating in the protest. We are currently trying to make up the revenue we lost in the past few month

A nationwide “Million Seats on the Streets” protest takes place from noon on Wednesday, and while some Buffalo City Metro restaurateurs will be joining in, others say they will be too busy trying to make money.

Restaurants have been hit hard by the national lockdown, and have bemoaned many of the government’s regulations. They say they are being robbed of the opportunity to make a living.

The protests, organised by The Restaurant Association of SA, aims to have one million seats placed on the streets on Wednesday.

But not everyone in East London will be answering the call.

“We are not committed to participating in the protest. We are currently trying to make up the revenue we lost in the past few months,” said Keagan de Bruin, general manager of Cantina and Craft.

Sanook Eatery in Beacon Bay and Sanook Café in Berea would also be giving the protest a miss, workers said.

However, workers at Indian restaurant The Aroma in Stirling are fully in support.

“We have spoken to our bosses about this matter, and have let them know that we will also be sitting on the streets as a sign of protest,” said chef Jabu Qayiso. Employees at The Cow Shed in Nahoon have applied for a permit to take part in the protest.

“We have submitted a request to the SAPS. Regardless of the situation we are in, I believe this is a way of conveying a message to the government about job losses and businesses shutting down,” said manager Dewald Allers.