OMARURU – Survival in a small town can be daunting, especially where jobs are scarce and families must still be fed.

For 39-year-old Kheibasen !Nuwuses, giving up or accepting a life without income was never an option. With no job prospects and children to care for, she took matters into her own hands by starting a small laundry service from home. Her modest house in Ozondje is open and welcoming. A small sign at the gate reading Puxi’s Laundry Services is the only indication of the thriving business inside, which has become popular, particularly among teachers. “After looking for a job, I started a laundry service using only my hands and feet. 

I did that for three years,” she told New Era during a visit last week.

Today, Puxi’s Laundry serves a growing clientele, including teachers, taxi drivers and even tourists who discover her services online.

“I tried everywhere to find work, but there was nothing,” she said. “So I started washing and ironing for teachers. They usually pay me on the 20th of each month.”

Working from home, !Nuwuses often puts in long hours, sometimes from Monday to Sunday, washing everything from school uniforms to blankets and suits. “Some weeks are quiet, but others keep me busy all week. It’s challenging, but it helps me provide for my children,” she said. The business has become more than just a source of income. It enables her to cover daily expenses, buy school uniforms and stationery, and meet her children’s needs.

“Before this, I could hardly manage. Now I can buy bread and essentials, and prepare for school in January,” she said.

Currently, she operates with one washing machine, a steamer and an ironing board, but she has bigger ambitions.

“I want to grow the business, open a proper shop in town and employ two or three people from the community. I also want to expand my equipment and help others as I grow,” she said.

Despite the challenges of being a single parent, !Nuwuses has remained resilient. Her business also helps her support her daughters’ education, including one studying at Eros Girls School in Windhoek and another at A. Shipena Secondary School.

Her message to others facing unemployment is simple:

“If you can do something, even something small, just start. Sell ice, sell anything, or provide a service. Use your mind and make it work.”

Omaruru chief executive officer Sindongo Valentinus acknowledged that job opportunities in the town remain limited.

He said the planned Vocational Training Centre is expected to open up opportunities for skills development and small business growth.

“The VTC will bring additional demand that can translate into business and employment opportunities for young people,” he said.