The Sunday Mail
Dr Rebecca Chisamba
Mudzimba
Customers letting me down
Dear amai, how are you? I am a mother of three boys and I reside in a high-density area. We have a sizeable corner stand and I have taken up gardening to make some money on the side. I produce very good onions, tomatoes and vegetables. Before the lockdown, I used to give my customers goods and they would pay me later.
However, everyone is now saying the lockdown is affecting their finances. They are no longer paying me what they owe. I am fed up. Must I make a police report? How best do you think I can go about this?
Response
Hello writer, I am well and thank you for asking. I would like to applaud you for using your garden to earn some extra income to help your family.
It is true that the lockdown has affected peoples’ finances, but it must not be used as an excuse. People have to find ways to cope.
You may report your customers but it is a very hard path to walk. It is based on your word that so-and-so took goods from you and agreed to pay later. I am sure there is no written agreement or a simple audit trail like receipts showing dates of purchase or settled debts.
If you are going to treat the garden as a business, then you have to do so fully even at the cost of being firm with your customers. Start demanding cash upfront. Do not give fresh produce to anyone who has not settled their debt.
You can even get a simple receipt book to help you keep track of your cash flow. It is a tough stance but one that will get you results. I guarantee you will see an improvement.
Continue to work on your garden. Fresh produce is irresistible. I am sure they will be back for more.
***
Sugar mummy wants us to get married
I am a young guy and I have a big problem on my hands. I lived a life of poverty until I decided to look for a sugar mummy. My friend actually hooked me up. She is 20 years older than me, with two sons who are both married.
She is my mother’s age. Her sons do not respect me and my own parents have cut me off and branded me lazy.
I am enjoying the life I live, the cars, the money and the businesses. She is head over heels in love with me and wants to make sure we get married. However, I do not love her and I am beginning to feel embarrassed by my actions. What must I do?
Response
I read your letter and I am still confused. In life, you reap what you sow. You thought a sugar mummy would be a way out of poverty and you were right.
But you were mistaken to assume there were no consequences associated with this arrangement.
Your parents are embarrassed of who you became, and rightly so. Her sons also saw past your smokescreens. It is intriguing that you now want to call it quits after reaching your end-goal.
Do you think she will willingly accept it when you try to break free after all those businesses you established on her account? You must be prepared for the fight of your life.
Apologise to your parents and everyone you wronged, including her sons and her. It is good that you have grown a conscience but you sold your soul for a lavish lifestyle and there is bound to be blowback. You will also need counselling to re-evaluate where you are in life and what you want out of it now.
To my other readers, please never take what seems like the easy way in life. Everything is earned. Be wary of consequences that come from taking what seems to be the easy way out.
***
Scared of the ongoing pandemic
Mai Chisamba, how are you? I am a Grade Five learner at a certain school in Masvingo.
I saw your contact information when my father bought The Sunday Mail. My parents do not explain a lot to me about Covid-19 and I am now so scared.
Are we all going to die? Please tell me more. What can I do? I do not want my family and friends to die.
Response
Hello young reader. I am very well, thanks for asking. Let me start by saying I am impressed that you take time to read the press and you are already using big words like “pandemic”. I am sure your parents are beaming with pride.
For starters, children such as yourself are often overlooked when it comes to explaining what Covid-19 is and how to prevent it. Covid-19 or coronavirus, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered virus.
Most people infected with the Covid-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.
Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. In order to keep your loved ones and yourself safe, you need to wear a mask, practice social distancing and sanitise or wash your hands with soap as often as possible, especially after coming into contact with objects.
As far as the dying bit is concerned, if everyone plays their part we will all rid ourselves of this pandemic.
If you have been exposed to the shock of seeing someone you know succumb to this virus, confide in your parents on how it has affected you.
I would like to encourage you to make a presentation for your class and spread the word. Stay safe. I will do a follow-up.
Write to: [email protected], WhatsApp 0771415747.
