Auleria Wakudumo
ONDWEDIVA – Ongwediva resident Maria Katumbe (46) is showing what hard work and determination can do. Originally from Ombathi in the Omusati region, Katumbe is a domestic worker, but outside her job, she is building a small business using traditional knowledge.
This extra money helps her a lot at home. She supports a family of 10 and helps other relatives when in need.
“It helps me in the middle of the month when I run out of money, even just to buy bread for the children,” she said.
Every morning before going to work, she walks around the streets of Ongwediva collecting marula fruits from the few trees still found in town. While others passed them by, she saw an opportunity. She uses the fruits to produce marula jam and honey.
Marula fruits are very important in northern Namibia, and they are seasonal. They usually ripen between January and April, during the rainy season, and fall from the trees when ready.
Many people collect them during this time to make different products. One of the most popular traditional drinks made from marula is known as ‘omaongo’, which is made by fermenting marula juice for a few days.
This drink is well loved and even celebrated during the annual marula festival in the north.
Katumbe is also using this natural resource to earn an income. She sells her products at low prices so people can afford them. A small container costs about N$25, while a 2-litre container is sold for N$150 locally and up to N$200 when she sells beyond the red line. Because she is busy with work, she mostly sells during lunchtime and weekends, making up to N$200 on a good day.
Making the jam and honey takes time and effort. After collecting the fruits, she washes them and boils them on the fire. When they are soft, she drains the water, adds sugar and water, and cooks it again until it becomes thick and firm for jam. For the honey, she uses the same method, but removes it earlier while it is still smooth and easy to pour.
Even though she works hard, Katumbe faces challenges every day. Some people ignore her or don’t greet her, while others say the products are not healthy without understanding the process.
She remembers one day at a bar when a man wanted to support her with N$50, but another person took the money and bought beer instead.
She is asking the government to support small businesspeople who are working with traditional food. She believes that if they can get machines and proper support, they can grow their businesses and make more money.
Her dream is to one day have her own brand on her products. She also encourages other mothers to start something small and not depend only on others.
“Even if it’s just one dollar a day, it makes a difference,” she added.
– awakudumo@nepc.com.na