Have you ever been stuck in traffic and thought you could really do with a snack to pick up your energy levels?
Phumu Mhlanga is a 22-year-old street vendor that stands on the corner of Argyle and Alexandra avenues in Craighall Park every Monday to Friday from 6am to 6pm and sells snacks. “I have my shop here because it sometimes gets busy, and there are many people who will see me and might need some snacks,” said Mhlanga.
Five days a week he catches a taxi at 5.30am from where he lives in the city centre, carrying two buckets filled with snacks, a broom and a bin bag. When he arrives at his corner he cleans up the area where he displays his goods, and sets up shop by 6am before the morning rush.
He said motorists stopped to quickly buy something from him such as a packet of chips or sweets. “I do this to make a living,” he said. “Some days it is good and people support me but sometimes it’s really down. All I need is enough money to be able to buy food for myself and look after myself.” On a good day he said he could make up to R200, however on a bad day it will only be a couple of rand.
Mhlanga started his little business about five months ago. “My brother had started a family and could no longer support me,” he explained. “So I had to look after myself and find my own place. I only have a school education of Grade 6 because my parents could not afford to pay for my fees. The only way I could do this and still be the same honest person is by starting my own business.”
He added that he hoped to finish school in the future. “For now I am happy that when people need me I am there because they can buy something fast and easy.”
