Smart Pawn fully supports President Ramaphosa's nationwide lock-down to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Smart Pawn has been closed for the duration of the initial and extended hard lock-down periods. With the easing of certain restrictions under lock-down level 4. No trade has been allowed for pawnbroking, as various authorities are unsure where to classify “A pawnshop”.
Smart Pawn is registered as second-hand dealer and pawnbroker, operating in full compliance of all rules and regulations within the Second-hand Goods Act and the National Credit Act. We hold thousands of items in secure storage for our customers as part of their pawn agreements. All customers wanting to redeem their items have been unable to do so since 26 March 2020, and remain unable to do so in terms of the current level 4 regulations. With the current situation, we have many clients who need there items to be able to work from home. We have also had a number of clients who have pleaded with us to open during this time, due to lack of funding as well as wanting to buy essential electronic items, winter heaters and clothing, as not all have money to buy new.
We urge the Honorable Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as Minister in charge of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs to consider the plight of our many customers who wish to redeem their pawned items from our stores. We respectfully request permission for our valued customers to visit our store to collect their possessions and pawn. Under strict regulations. We assure the Honorable Minister that Smart Pawn adheres strictly to all Covid-19 hygiene and sanitation requirements, ensuring the health and safety of both customers and staff