The Sunday Mail
Tendai Chara —
AS the majority of Zimbabweans are soaked in Christmas festivities today, it is business as usual for goat sellers along Kirkman Road in Tynwald, Harare.
They say they will only take a break in February when the demand for goats decreases. Mr Ranganai Mukotami was clearly surprised when asked if he is going to take a break from his goat selling business and join in the Christmas festivities.
“You ask me whether I will be travelling to my rural areas during Christmas? Christmas is a special day for us in the sense that we are likely to realise more sales than on any other day. I cannot afford to drink today, it is serious business,” Mr Mukotami said.
The arrival of a potential customer disrupted the interview as Mr Mukotami sprang towards the potential customer with the hope of selling one of his five goats. Competition for customers is cut throat and the sellers are hard negotiators and bargainers.
“Tengai zadza firiji iyi mudhara (Buy and fill the fridge),” Maud, the only female goat seller at that selling point, could be heard shouting.
The goats are sold at three places within a few kilometres. Mr Tribe Masuku, who said his trade name was “Chamhembe Goat sellers”, said Christmas is a time to make money.
“I have been in this business for the past seven years and I know that business will be at an all-time high during this period. This year business is a bit low since I have so far sold only seven goats as compared to the 20 I sold during this period last year,” he said.
Mr Masuku said they buy the goats in the rural areas for as little as US$18 before re-selling them for as much as US$50.
“I can’t afford to go to my rural area during this time. I will suffer heavy losses,” Mr Masuku said.
