30-year-old Paulus Ndala, who began selling vegetables at the Khomasdal circle in 2018, is faced with unemployment and mounting family responsibilities.
He says he was forced to start his business to keep his household afloat.
His day starts at 07h00, as he goes to the supermarket to order tomatoes, onions and eggs.
“Life has forced me to start this business and not give up because life is hard and I am unemployed,” he explained.
As the eldest child, Ndala has taken it upon himself to provide for both his parents. Despite continuously applying for formal employment, he says opportunities remain scarce.
“I try to apply for a stable job, but luck is not on my side. Therefore, I just stick to my business,” he said.
For Ndala to eat, wear new clothes and survive, he has to sell tomatoes, onions and eggs.
Vendors face fluctuating income, long working hours and competition. Despite these struggles, hard work and determination keep them going. Every day is a new opportunity to earn, support their families, and hope for a better future.
On a good day, Ndala earns between N$1 600 and N$3 000, which goes toward food, utilities and supporting his family. His workday often begins at sunrise and stretches late into the evening.
“Sometimes I knock off at 21h00. But I don’t regret starting here. My business is growing day by day and I love it,” he said.
The Khomasdal circle, once just a traffic route, has grown into an informal economic zone where young and old vendors alike come to sell their goods. For many, it’s their only income.
With Namibia’s unemployment rate among the highest in the SADC region, informal trading has become a crucial safety net and for some, the only way to survive.
While challenges such as harsh weather and limited protection from City bylaws enforcement remain, vendors like Ndala say their determination outweighs their difficulties.
“We are here every day, no matter what. We have families to feed,” he said.
City cops watching
Last year, City of Windhoek spokesperson Harold Akwenye said the municipality has been removing street vendors in certain areas for various reasons, including that their operations are illegal, ensuring public safety, maintaining order and regulating urban planning.
He says the Windhoek City Police’s bylaw unit patrols all areas to identify illegal vendors and remove them.
Ndala noted that they have not been removed by City of Windhoek as they ensure that there’s hygiene and no sanitation issues in the area.
“We maintain this place; we always make sure that before we leave, we all clean,” he said.