Informal businessmen and women have lauded the Newspaper Cup, saying it is likely to make a big difference in their pockets.
Speaking to Nampa outside the Oshakati Stadium where the four-day tournament kicked off on Friday with all 14 regions participating, the vendors, selling diverse foods and drinks, said the tournament could not have come at a better time.
Laudika Shilongo, who sold an assortment of cool drinks, said losing her job following the Covid-19 outbreak led her to decide to start selling all types of drinks at her house before heeding the call to sell at various events.
“I was unsure of how I would survive after Covid, so I started selling soft drinks, traditional drinks and alcohol to make ends meet. This has proven to be better than the salary I used to get at my previous employment as it has enabled me to help take care of my family and improve our home,” she told Nampa excitedly.
She added that during the Heroes Day holiday, she had two stalls; one of which was at the Ongwediva Trade Fair, manned by one of her siblings and her daughter.
“We will make enough money to improve our lives, improve our business and also save a bit. Covid taught me a lesson about not saving,” she revealed.
Another vendor, Albert Shilongo who was selling hot dogs, said he was hoping to make enough money to enjoy the upcoming holidays.
“I am looking forward to maximising my profits here. Business is doing well. I will bring enticing hot dogs for my clients every day this weekend,” he enthused.
Tangeni Amupadhi, Editor of The Namibian newspaper, said the idea of the Newspaper Cup is not only to have sports, but also to improve people’s lives by providing opportunities for informal traders.
“We do encourage these small-scale business (informal) traders to maximise on these opportunities. We know that business-wise, it has been tough for everyone hence we are excited to get positive feedback from these businesses,” he told Nampa.
He added that they had specifically insisted on local caterers to support the informal business sector.
Amupadhi added that they are looking forward to the next edition of the tournament, for which details will be announced in due course.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
