Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube, [email protected]
A tale of unwavering spirit unfolds in the city of Victoria Falls where the clucking of chickens and the chatter of traders blend into a song of survival and hope.
This is the story of many women like Selina Munkombwe, whose life has been a testament to perseverance and the relentless pursuit of a better future for her family.
Selina, a resident of Siansundu in Binga, has lived her life with threads of determination, selling indigenous chickens in the tourist hub of Victoria Falls.
Her journey began when her only daughter, now a mother to six, entered the world.
With no other job or source of income, Selina embarked on a venture that would not only sustain her family, but also send her daughter to school.
The passage of time has blurred the memories of her age and the inception of her business, but the clarity of her purpose remains as sharp as ever.
Selina stands as a pillar among the pioneers of a vending site affectionately dubbed “Chicken Inn” or “Ematongeni,” a nod to the thriving indigenous chicken trade that has flourished there.
“I started selling here a long time ago when my daughter was born and now she has six children.
“I am still working to take care of my grandchildren and my mother because I have no other child,” Selina recounted with pride.
From the modest beginnings of selling her 10 homegrown chickens, Selina’s business acumen has soared.
She now sells around 60 chickens monthly, turning her initial earnings into a thriving enterprise.
“I had 10 chickens at home and I sold them all and used the money to buy 30 other chickens.
“Since then I have not stopped and I go around communities buying the chickens or exchanging some with goods for resale here. I get almost 100 percent profit from the sale,” she said.
The chicken vendors, including Selina, face challenges such as theft and the harsh heat, yet they persevere.
They have created a community at the open space near Chinotimba Stadium, where they cook, trade and even sleep on the verandahs of nearby shops, drawing water and using ablution facilities from the stadium.
United by their circumstances, the vendors have formed a committee to maintain cleanliness, order and mutual support.
“The committee is there to unite people. Our wish is to get a stand where we can operate from with all services such as water and toilets.
“So it is our wish that they give us a stand to operate from or build toilets, a shed and provide water here.
“At the moment there is no dignity under such conditions,” said Lulekelelo Nyathi, the committee’s treasurer.
Alvin Mngombe, another vendor from the Zambezi area, echoed the community’s sentiments.
“I started in 2020. I have been taking care of my children from this business. I sometimes bring fish that I sell.
“We want a shed so that we sell in a decent manner. As you can see we have our bags here,” he said, highlighting the vendors’ desire for dignity and proper facilities.
Online Reporter