Vendors in Windhoek are slowly beginning to feel the pinch from the absence of customers, as many have returned to their places of origin, while others head to holiday destinations to unwind.​

The NBC News team visited one of the vending spots at the B1 Road shopping complex, where one of the vendors, Victoria Shimbango, said the absence of customers is making it difficult for them to survive.

"I'm just on my own; no one else assists me. We have children, but their fathers don't take care of them. One of them is alive, but it seems like he's not alive. The problem here is that sometimes when I come here, I go back without selling anything. Sometimes I collect firewood, but if the owners of the place find me collecting firewood there, they will confiscate it because I don't have a permit."​

Shimbango added that they still fear being removed from selling along the B1 Road, as this is their only way of surviving.

Another vendor, Elizabeth Kautondokwa, expressed concern over their safety. "The thieves, especially now that I'm alone here, the customers can stop there, and the robbers can come for them. Those are the challenges that we are facing. They usually take away their money, the phones, or anything that can be sold."​

The vendors are requesting road users to support them with whatever they have to help their children with school stationery.​