For 20 years, Seleste Shalongo has stood behind her small food stall in Grootfontein, selling kapana, cooked food and cabbages to support her family.

Every morning, she wakes hoping for customers. Every evening, she worries about how she will provide for her two children.

Shalongo, who was born and raised in Grootfontein, said that running a small business has become harder over the years as profits continue to decline while expenses keep rising.

“We want to grow, but we do not have enough money and sometimes we do not make any profits,” she said.

The mother of two works alone because the business does not earn enough to employ anyone. Despite the long hours and difficult conditions, she continues working because the business is the only source of income for her household.

“This business feeds my family. I am the only breadwinner at home,” she said.

She explained that her children depend on her daily income for food, transport and school needs.

“I need to make sure they do not go to school on an empty stomach. Sometimes when it rains, I must send them with a taxi because the school is far from here,” she said.

Like many informal traders, she said business becomes slow in the middle of the month when customers no longer have money. To attract buyers, they are sometimes forced to lower prices.

“If there are no customers or it is the middle of the month, we reduce prices so people can buy. Otherwise, you will not sell anything,” she said.

Apart from financial struggles, she said the conditions at the trading area are poor.

She complained that the place is dirty and that traders are left to deal with the situation on their own. According to her, they have written several letters to the municipality asking for assistance, but nothing has changed.

“The place is dirty and we do not get time to clean it. The municipality does not help us,” she said.

She added that the condition of the toilets is also a major concern.

“The toilets are very bad. They are always saying they are coming, but not even one day have they come here,” she said.

Despite the challenges, she said she remains motivated by positive customer feedback on her food.

“I started by selling cabbages and later, people liked the food I cooked and sold. Their reviews keep me motivated and inspired,” she said.

Last year, she applied for the Youth Development Fund to expand her business, but she says she never received a response.

“I applied for the youth development fund last year, but I was never contacted, and even now I do not know,” she said.

-pmukokobi@nepc.com.na