KEETMANSHOOP – Local Small-and-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who participated at the just concluded Keetmanshoop Agriculture, Industrial and Trade Expo (Kaite) lauded the event as successful, stating they made considerable profits from conducting business at the fair.
Victoria Shiindi, owner of Victoria Thrift Clothing shop, who sells good quality clothes at very affordable prices, informed this publication that she made N$7 000 profit, which she would not have made if she had sat at home.
“It was especially during the weekend that my stall was flocked by customers, and my greatest attraction was the low prices where one could get a shirt or trousers from N$30 to N$100 since I bought my clothes at low prices in bulk,” she explained.
The exhibitor also said she used to donate all garments not sold after three months to charity organisations and called on the Kaite organising committee to, in the future, extend the event by one day, until Sunday.
Not new in his trade, Paulus Tuluwali, who has mastered the art of making Japanese sushi, said he made a good fortune at the event. Noting that ingredients for making sushi are quite expensive, Tuluwali expressed gratitude towards the management of the expo.
He said organisers rented the fair stalls out at an affordable rate, providing much-needed exposure to small businesses.
Caring to quench visitors’ thirst and test his shooters, Rashad Cloete from The Liquor Hub said what made his stall a success was the curiosity of customers who wanted to taste the various cocktails he mixed and sold at reasonable prices.
“I can really not complain, business was good and I will for sure come back for next year’s expo,” said Cloete.
Ensuring people enjoy traditional cuisine, Lina Simon and Matride Johannes, who own Tiatira’s Kitchen, sell a variety of traditional Oshiwambo cuisine. “Our traditional chicken, mopane worms and mahangu porridge were sold out even before lunch during the weekend, as customers feel at home when supporting us,” Simon explained. The duo, who ventured into business to support themselves financially as students, said they made enough money to cover transport, food and accommodation, even if it is for a short period, and promised to do the same next year.
-sklukowski@nepc.com.na