The festive season is one of the most anticipated periods of the year, which also comes with an appetite for shopping.

Small business owners spoke to nbc's Luqman Cloete about consumer spending during the festive season.

Maria Ndifikepo, a small business owner, explained that business was booming at the beginning of the festive season but has somewhat slowed down.

"Business this time of the year; at the beginning of the month it was better, but now it is very quiet since the people went on holidays and we did not receive many people in Keetmanshoop. We are trying to get them things on fashion, so that everyone can put them in order, so that we order for them, so that everyone can be satisfied."

According to Ndifikepo, her business has not fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.

"Cash loans are doing well even if people are travelling; some are paying, and some you have to force them; you create enemies for yourself. The salon, COVID-19, changed everything. The office is doing better because it is paying rent for the boutique if it is too quiet."

Ndifikepo appealed to both the central and local governments to construct open market stalls for small businesses since the exorbitant rent they were paying prevented them from making a profit.