There is always uncertainty about income during the festive season as people go on vacation. More so for those in the informal sector.

Although the City of Windhoek offers numerous opportunities, particularly in the informal sector, it also presents challenges due to fierce competition and a high cost of living.

Hairdressing and car wash businesses are some of those one can find almost everywhere, especially in the western parts of the capital.

On Eveline Street in Greenwell Matongo, for example, there are 20 carwash businesses.

Here no day passes by without money exchanging hands, even when the city appears deserted.

Pauls Wilhem started his carwash business in 2020 in northern Namibia before moving to Windhoek for better opportunities.

It is from here that he supports himself and his family.

"It was difficult from January to March, but from October to December, these are the months we make a profit because there are customers. Because many people are washing their car seats, mats, and cars, we are experiencing a significant increase in customer traffic during this period.

The number of customers fluctuates each day.

Aguster Alweendo plies her trade in the hairdressing industry. She joined the industry in 2019 in northern Namibia but also moved to Windhoek in search of a better life, which she couldn’t find.

This is when Alweendo decided to start her own business, which has been successful to date, though there are challenging days.

"This salon is the only place that I get to make money to help my kids, to pay school fees, to help myself, and to rent my house. I pay for everything using the salon's money."