Every morning at the busy Khomasdal circle, Paula Kadira sets up a small table where she sells tomatoes, onions, eggs, and fruits. It’s not the life she imagined when she left Rundu in early 2024, but it’s how she survives. 

The Khomasdal circle has transformed into an informal economic hub, attracting vendors who lack access to formal employment or retail spaces. Many of them come from low-income backgrounds and see the space as a last resort for economic survival. 

Though the Khomasdal circle offers opportunities, it lacks proper infrastructure. Vendors operate under makeshift umbrellas, with no access to water or electricity. Dust, sun and rain are constant challenges. 

Over 10 small-scale vendors are braving the elements and long hours daily at the bustling Khomasdal circle in Windhoek, selling fresh produce in a bid to survive Namibia’s harsh economic climate. 

Kadira came to Windhoek with a plan to study and find a job. But finding work was harder than she expected. With no income and a family depending on her, she turned to selling fresh produce on the street. 

“I left Rundu to come make a living. I have a child, and I have supported my mother ever since my father passed away. I’m now the breadwinner of the family,” she said. 

Kadira is a student at Tulipohamba Training and Assessment Institute, where she is pursuing a qualification in Occupational Health. Balancing her studies and business has not been easy, but necessity has left little room for rest. 

“Sometimes it’s tough, especially when business is slow or when it rains. But I have no choice, I have mouths to feed,” she said. 

The 20-year-old said she started her business with one box of eggs, which contained 12 trays. She worked with just that one box of eggs, saving the profits as she progressed. During the process, she decided to expand her business. She approached a woman who sells fresh produce in bulk and took out a small loan. With that, she started selling more and began repaying the loan. 

“I don’t get any support from my family. Instead, I support them. I have a child who lives with my mother. Sometimes, I use the money I make to buy SuperAweh and do my schoolwork, or pay for transport to school. But if the business is slow, I don’t make it to school because I must stay and try to sell something until late,” she said. 

Kadira added that this is the only business she currently owns, and it really helps her and her family. 

“My mother sometimes calls and tells me there’s nothing in the house. I send her whatever I have so she can buy what they need,” she said. 

Kadira explained that owning a business is not easy. “Sometimes you don’t have enough money to order new stock. Sometimes the vegetables and fruits go rotten, and you must throw them away. The place we operate from is not safe; thieves steal from us, even though we have a security guard. It’s not easy,” she said. 

She added that she makes about N$1 800 per month, of which she sends N$1000 to her mother and survives on the remaining N$800. 

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na