adminCatherine Murombedzi
BUSINESS was brisk for stallholders at the International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Infections in Africa (ICASA) venue in Harare.
Artefacts, ornaments, bags, shoes and clothes made from cotton prints were mainly on sell.
Mrs Harriet Ncobo one of the stall holders said she was pleased with the business transacted so far.
“Sunday was slightly quiet but by Monday business had picked and is booming. We are selling nearly everything on offer. Many of our customers appreciate the quality of the African prints we have on offer. I have restocked for tomorrow as you can see I am running out on the African printed material and dresses,” Mrs Ncobo said.
Ras Joe who sells artefacts said he had conducted business in three days which was equivalent to what he had sold the whole year.
“In the last three days I have sold more than I have done since the beginning of the year. It is worthwhile and I hope more similar conferences would be held here,” the dreadlocked youth who referred to himself as Ras Joe.
Taxis also reported good business and have hiked their fares. Mukanya Tafirei who operates from the Harare International airport said he is now in a position to pay school fees for his three school going children, thanks to ICASA.
“We have been ferrying delegates since last Wednesday and by Sunday the numbers had swelled. We usually charge $15 for a trip to town but have now doubled the fare to match neighbours in the region,” said Mr Tafirei.
Short distances in the city centre usually cost $3 during the course of this week had been hiked to $5 or was negotiable for locals who insisted on $3.
Online Reporter