This is how COVID-19 is affecting sex workers in South Africa
'Amanda', who is a sex worker from Bloemfontein, joined the Scenic Drive to explain how the national lockdown has affected her and other sex workers.
According to Jacaranda FM News, the Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) said in March that the national lockdown will have a serious impact on the livelihoods of the country’s sex workers.
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The organisation’s Mega Lessing said that while putting a stop to sex work during the lockdown is the right thing to do, it will have a dire financial impact. “All we are asking is that sex workers should be included in the temporary relief fund.”
The Scenic Drive was interested to hear from sex worker 'Amanda' on how the national lockdown has impacted her life so far.
"We try to sell photos and videos to survive.
"A lot of men are at home now - so they can't be on their phones the whole time.
"My message to the government is that we are also essential workers. Men can get frustrated and we can safe families.
"We also have children and families. I have a child - and married men pay for our rent and they feed my child."
'Amanda' was a previous guest on Rian van Heerden's show on kykNET, 'Skelmpie', to explain more about the industry in South Africa
*Names have been changed to protect identity