Human Angle
How One Woman Defies All Odds In Harare’s Economic Chaos
Eko Hot Blog reports that Unity Gope, a 41-year-old street seller living in a small two-room home in the low-income area of Dzivarasekwa, Harare, represents the resilience of many Zimbabweans facing tough economic times.
Unity shares her home with her four sons, Terence (24), Abraham (22), Takudzwa (15), and Tinodaishe (4).
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Unity’s journey from rural Mhondoro to Harare was driven by dreams of a better life, but the turbulent economic situation in Zimbabwe brought its own challenges. Together with her husband, Shaw Tozivepi, Unity worked tirelessly as a street vendor to support their family. Despite limited resources, they cherished special moments, like sharing meals of roast chicken, chips, and salad.
In April, tragedy struck when Shaw suddenly passed away due to hypertension. This left Unity as the sole provider, dealing with the challenges of a rising cost of living and a stagnant economy. Inflation rates increased from 75 percent in April to 77 percent in August, putting further strain on the family’s finances.
Unity, however, found support through an informal savings club known as “mukando.” Every Sunday, she and 22 other members contributed a minimum of £7 per week for four months.
The pooled funds were then lent to members with a 5 percent weekly interest rate. These clubs have become essential for many in Zimbabwe’s informal economy, where formal banking is often out of reach.
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Unity also takes part in a grocery savings subcategory, contributing an additional £3.50 each week to buy groceries in bulk. This initiative, born out of a desire to share a special meal, has now evolved into a practical way to secure essential food items at more affordable prices.
Unity’s determination to provide for her children remains unwavering, despite the economic challenges. She worries about their education as Zimbabwe’s economy worsens, but she finds hope in her earnings from her street vending and the support of the savings club.
Source: Aljazeera
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