06 Oct 2019

Gerald Estate, a township on the outskirt of Francistown, has no shopping complex.

The estate was a farm that government bought to address land shortage in the second city.

Residents travel long distances to the city centre to buy commodities including fruits and vegetables.

Recently, the political leadership in the area together with the former area MP, Mr Ignatius Moswaane resolved to use the P10 million constituency fund to build a mall in the township.

Prices for land suitable for such a huge project were exorbitant with each plot amounting to over P15 million.

An Ikalanga dance troupe, Tjilenje tje Ngwao under the tutelage of Ngwisiwa Ntogwa, has come up with an idea though it may look insignificant.

The group saw it fit to establish a mini cultural market place that will sell traditional foods, fruits and vegetables on temporary basis.

Strategically located at Gerald 25, the mini cultural market place will soon sell traditional Kalanga food such as Dobi, Zengwe, Chimoni, Thopi, Delele and many more.

Mr Ntogwa explained that after assessing the situation thoroughly, the group saw it fit to extend its assistance to the people of Gerald and establish such a market place to cut the long distance to the city centre for such commodities.

He said the mini market comes with a social responsibility benefit for the community because the food that would be left would be given to a deserving member of the community be it the elderly, the disadvantaged members of the community or even orphans.

Mr Ntogwa explained that he had engaged 15 members of his troupe to assist in the project working on shift basis. He said members of the group would also benefit from the profit realised from the sales.

Mr Ntogwa is optimistic that the project will be a success given the fact that the market is located near one of the football play grounds.

In addition, he observed nowadays many people want to eat healthier foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables right from the garden.

“We are taking advantage of this trend by opening a fruit and vegetable market, by buying produce from other sources and selling it in our mini market.

This is a great business idea for young people like us to fight unemployment and poverty,” he added

Mr Ntogwa explained that every weekend, various football teams have tournament games near the spot which is an advantage for them to make more profit.

“This location is visible and highly trafficked by potential customers,” he added.

One resident, Ms Oases Mosika was also of the view that the mini market will help to reduce the distance that Gerald residents travel to the city centre to get supplies.

She said most of the tuck shops in the township only sold food stuffs such as milk, canned beef and fish but hardly sold fruits, vegetables or ready-made food such as serobe and seswaa.

“I think this is a good idea to have rescued the people of Gerald who have been without a shopping complex for years,” she added.

Another resident, Jeremiah Olatlhetse said it was difficult to go to the city centre after working hours to buy relish, therefore the mini food and vegetable market was a welcome development.

He said it was not safe and expensive to take a taxi to the city centre in the evening.

“You will be tired and in most cases combis and taxis stop commuting at around 8 pm and you might get stuck at the city centre without transport,” he added.

However, he called on business people and the political leadership of the constituency to consider speeding up the establishment of a shopping complex for the people of Gerald.

“Gerald has been here for decades but we continue to buy food seven kilometres away which is very expensive,” he lamented.

In addition, Mr Olatlhetse said to take a special taxi was expensive as they were charged exorbitant prices. ENDS