Katima’s informal vendors fight to make ends meet
Keeping the hustle alive despite adversity
Talent and business acumen abound among the town's informal entrepreneurs, who say that with a little support from government, they could build thriving businesses and create much-needed jobs.
The Katima Mulilo open market was a hive of activity last Thursday, with local entrepreneurs offering a variety of essential goods and services to residents.
Ewi lyaNooli spoke to several vendors about their businesses, the challenges they face and their hopes for the future.
Among them were cousins Sitefanus Johannes and Golden Siyayiso, who run a small electronics repair stall.
Johannes, a Kizito College graduate, said he has been in the trade “for quite some time”, fixing devices and selling accessories like phones and laptops.
“I fix cell phones and laptops... people can find me here at the open market,” he said, demonstrating a recent screen replacement.
“In 30 minutes I can be done replacing a screen. On a good day, we get around 30 to 40 clients with different problems.”
The pair also sell phone covers, chargers and cables, though they struggle to source affordable parts.
“Screens are expensive,” Johannes explained.
He highlighted that with sturdier support, their business could flourish and create jobs.
“We need financial support from the government so that we can open a company, fix more devices, and even train others.”
Outside the open market, roadside entrepreneur Charles Simata has been selling car maintenance supplies since 2019.
His products include steering wheel covers, rim spray paints, headlight cleaning solutions and scratch-removal polish. Prices range from N$150 to N$200.
A lifelong Katima Mulilo resident, Simata supports five children through his trade. “This business is very tough, my brother,” he admitted. “Working with different people is not easy. Some customers are rude, some are appreciative. It needs commitment.”
Back inside the market, brothers Keke Lisulo and Lekitan Nyambe spend their days chopping and selling firewood.
Both left school early due to financial hardship and now rely entirely on their business to survive.
“We do this because we have no other choice,” Nyambe said.
“It’s tiring work, and some days we don’t even make enough for food.”
Lisulo added: “If we had better opportunities, we would go back to school, but for now, this is what keeps us going.”
Ewi lyaNooli spoke to several vendors about their businesses, the challenges they face and their hopes for the future.
Among them were cousins Sitefanus Johannes and Golden Siyayiso, who run a small electronics repair stall.
Johannes, a Kizito College graduate, said he has been in the trade “for quite some time”, fixing devices and selling accessories like phones and laptops.
“I fix cell phones and laptops... people can find me here at the open market,” he said, demonstrating a recent screen replacement.
“In 30 minutes I can be done replacing a screen. On a good day, we get around 30 to 40 clients with different problems.”
The pair also sell phone covers, chargers and cables, though they struggle to source affordable parts.
“Screens are expensive,” Johannes explained.
He highlighted that with sturdier support, their business could flourish and create jobs.
“We need financial support from the government so that we can open a company, fix more devices, and even train others.”
Outside the open market, roadside entrepreneur Charles Simata has been selling car maintenance supplies since 2019.
His products include steering wheel covers, rim spray paints, headlight cleaning solutions and scratch-removal polish. Prices range from N$150 to N$200.
A lifelong Katima Mulilo resident, Simata supports five children through his trade. “This business is very tough, my brother,” he admitted. “Working with different people is not easy. Some customers are rude, some are appreciative. It needs commitment.”
Back inside the market, brothers Keke Lisulo and Lekitan Nyambe spend their days chopping and selling firewood.
Both left school early due to financial hardship and now rely entirely on their business to survive.
“We do this because we have no other choice,” Nyambe said.
“It’s tiring work, and some days we don’t even make enough for food.”
Lisulo added: “If we had better opportunities, we would go back to school, but for now, this is what keeps us going.”
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