Kalista Shivolo – Namibia

Kalista Shivolo runs a catering business called Wambingi, located in Okatana towards Oshakati, 5km form Ongwendiva. She started by making traditional marula juice to sell to raise money. She realised that in her area there was a need for food. She started by making braai meat and potatoes and soup. She processed Kapana and Russian sausages. At that time she sold her products under the tree but then she realised that harsh weather and rain would affect her business. Bad weather conditions included scorching sun, strong winds and rains. She negotiated with a friend nearby to rent her space from which she could sell her products.

The rental was expensive so Kalista moved to another place. She is a single mother of three and is taking care of all of them. If this is not the testimony of a strong woman then nothing is. Before being trained she did not reinvest her profit back into the business. She did not do a budget or record her transactions in the cashbook. Kalista is unemployed and she was literally depending on her grandmother for survival. The Ministry of Gender introduced her to Gender Links and the entrepreneurship programme. She learnt about banking from the entrepreneurship programme and this has helped her to save a lot of money.

She has managed to teach other women about gender equality and has helped them start small businesses in their communities. She encourages independence and says not all businesses need a high injection of cash to kick them off. She also says that she strongly believes her children are equals regardless of their sex. She is teaching them about self-respect and respect for others.

Kalista plans to employ one worker in the near future to help her with running the business. A high level of competition has been her biggest headache but she does offer quality food at a competitive price. She also believes in cleanliness and that on its own brings her more clients.

She confirms that her future plan is to buy a truck and establish a bigger business. She is also improving her education and that will give her a chance to find employment.

She says that she was amazed when she went to Windhoek and stayed in a hotel during the summit. It was the first time she had been to Windhoek.