Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Shania Lazarus
Published on 2024-02-27 17:00:00
The memorial service for President Hage Geingob over the weekend drew a large crowd of Namibians who gathered to pay their final respects to the late president. The event also provided opportunities for entrepreneurs, as the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology allowed the general public to set up food and beverage stalls outside Independence Stadium on Saturday. However, many vendors were disappointed with the low sales they experienced.
One such vendor, Tobias Nangula, expressed his initial excitement at the opportunity to sell at the memorial service. He had high expectations due to the expected large turnout of people, but was ultimately disappointed with his sales of fatcakes and cooldrinks. Despite investing over N$1,000 in stock, he only made N$202 as many attendees opted for the free food provided at the event.
Hileni Timoteus, another vendor, also shared her mixed feelings about the experience. While she was grateful for the chance to participate, she did not sell as much as she had hoped. She invested in chicken and cooldrinks, anticipating high sales with a crowd of 50,000 people, but only made N$500. The challenge now is to sell off the excess stock before it goes bad.
Timoteus noted that many vendors at Independence Stadium had similar experiences, with limited sales despite the potential of the event. She mentioned a highlight when a South African ambassador bought snacks from her, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the business.
Despite the disappointing sales, Timoteus emphasized the importance of allowing vendors to participate in such large events, as it provides valuable experience and potential for increased revenue. She acknowledged the risks and challenges of the business but expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the memorial service.
In conclusion, the memorial service for President Hage Geingob not only served as a platform for Namibians to pay their respects but also provided entrepreneurs with opportunities to generate income. While some vendors may have been disappointed with their sales, the experience gained and the potential for future events highlight the significance of allowing small businesses to participate in such gatherings.
Read the original article on The Namibian
