Belinda Kulatau
RUNDU- Born in Sharukwe village in Kavango East region 36 years ago, Venancia Ruhepo Sindano has turned her hobby into a profitable business.
Sindano, who owns Chepo’s Kitchen, which operates from a free-standing room in Kehemu, says being an orphan pushed her to always look for income-generating business ideas. “Having lost our parents at a young age, my five siblings and I had to learn from an early age how to fend for ourselves,” she said.
Chepo’s Kitchen started as a dream. With only N$200 as startup capital, she bought a package of chicken wings, cooked them, and sold them to her peers. Five years later, the business is fully-registered, with three full-time employees, and caters for all types of events such as parties, weddings and corporate events. Daily lunch packs can also be pre-ordered, said Sindano.
Having studied at various institutions such as Namibia National Association of the Deaf, Kayec, Rundu Vocational Training Centre and most recently obtaining an honours degree in Junior Education from the University of Namibia, the bubbly Sindano said getting qualifications was financially challenging. Therefore, securing part-time jobs such as waitressing was a must.
She further highlighted that being an unemployed graduate is not easy, as the job market, unfortunately, can’t absorb everyone, and waiting for the government to give you a job should not be an individual’s only option in life.
“I believe it’s important to work hard and discover what you are really good at, and use that skill to get an income,” she said.
Sindano gives credit to social media platforms such as YouTube, for teaching her how to prepare mouthwatering meals, and encouraged fellow youth to use social media to their advantage.
“The internet is your best friend if you want to learn a new skill. YouTube has made life easy. If you are fortunate to own a smartphone, then please invest your time in watching videos that educate and help improve your life.”
Just as with any business, challenges ranging from lack of funds to purchase all the needed equipment such as a freezer and a big oven sometimes slow down her work, but she is hopeful that she will be able to afford them one day.
Being an orphan, Sindano dreams of running a successful soup kitchen to feed vulnerable children, as well as owning a restaurant in the near future.
Those who want to hire her for catering services or order lunch packs can contact her at Venessasindano@gmail.com
*Belinda Kulatau is an Information Officer at MICT office in Kavango East