Some street vendors around the Northern Industrial area in Windhoek have expressed concern over a decline in business activity during the winter, while others see it as a golden opportunity and take advantage of the season's cravings to serve up hearty meals.

Lack of customers during the winter is a reality for 50-year-old Gebhard Sakaria, who sells soft drinks outside Chinatown.

After being retrenched during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sakaria faced mounting pressure to support his family and started his business two years ago as a means of livelihood. 

However, the winter season has hit business hard, with fewer people opting for cold drinks in the chilly weather. 

Sakaria has also been struggling with the rising prices for cool drinks, which has further reduced his ability to make a profit as customers are reluctant to buy.

"The business is progressing slowly, but with the changing weather, we hope for improvement. However, we continue to face challenges with rising prices. Customers are reluctant to buy a cool drink for N$17 when we purchase them for N$15 from the shop. The cost of ice is also high, adding to our struggle. But we remain hopeful, and it would help if wholesalers reduced their prices."

For 42-year-old Hildegard Garises, winter has turned into a profitable opportunity. 

She makes soup, sandwiches, and hotdogs, which has boosted her profits.

Located at the corner of Build It, Garises, who was also retrenched in 2020, initially started her venture with just sweets and chips, walking a long distance to her business spot every day. 

Today, with a smile on her face, Garises reflects on her journey, noting that despite the challenges and occasional stigma of being a street vendor, it has proven to be a creative and rewarding way to earn a living and be self-employed.

"Winter is actually challenging, but in winter I made a lot of profit because I wake up a little bit earlier and winter people are getting cold, so they prefer being warm. So with the cup of soup that I'm selling, which is only N$10, and winter people are actually even hungrier, I get more customers in winter. The good thing with vending is that you have a dollar every day, and every day you can sort yourself."

A short distance from Garises is 24-year-old Frans Lukas, who moved from the northern part of the country last year in search of greener pastures. 

Lukas sells kapana and cool drinks; his goal is to earn an income and support his family. 

He says that business has been steady and remains hopeful that sales will improve as the weather warms up.

"Business in winter was not bad; I can't say there was a time when I didn't make a profit. This business helps me provide for my family back home, and I at least have something to get around and help others in need. I also appreciate my customers because they take time to converse and enjoy my catering, whether it's kapana, bread, or cooldrink."

These entrepreneurs remain optimistic about expanding their businesses, and they urge the unemployed to view street vending as a genuine source of income and an opportunity for self-employment.