Katima Mulilo – Instead of waiting for a monthly salary often insufficient for one’s needs, a young single mother based in Katima Mulilo took the bull by its horns and started selling fresh and dried beef, which currently earns her a handsome monthly profit.
Inonge Mabakeng, a school teacher by profession said due to the high cost of living, she decided to venture into business to
provide for her children a decent life.
“Look at me, I have seven kids. I managed to send three to university. One is already
done. I paid their tuition fees from my side hustles, especially the meat business. I sell both fresh and dried meat, which I also give on credit to my trusted customers. It’s fast
and quick money. I can make a profit of N$30 000 to N$35 000 per month,” Mabakeng said while relaxing next to the river with her younger son.
Initially, in the early 2000s, she said she started off with devil’s claw harvest and sold it to business people who live as far as Outjo who then sell to pharmaceutical companies outside Namibia. However, as years went by, in 2019, she decided to change her business plan and started selling beef which she feels is more profitable as the devil’s claw market became flooded and sales slowed down.
Mabakeng is now thriving as she owns a well-established butchery and has meat customers across the region where she couriers both frozen and dried beef.
“I am a teacher by profession and this meat business is my side hustle. I managed to pay off my house. The meat business is doing very well. I spend between N$20 000 to N$30 000 to buy four to six cattle per month. I pack the fresh and dried meat in boxes and send them to my customers. I even loan money to my loyal customers. I also lend to my fellow teachers who are struggling monthly,” she proudly said. Mabakeng buys her stock from local farmers across the Zambezi region.
Her business name is Inge’s Meat butchery based in Katima Mulilo where she sells a variety of meat packages. The dried meat standard packs are sold for N$210, while 5kg is sold for N$350 and N$650 for a 10kg dry pack.
Others include oxtail for N$180, 10kg beef stew, chops, or mix for N$600, among others.
– anakale@nepc.com.na