Moyo starts a new life by selling his jujube

The economic conditions in Zimbabwe forced Tanaka Moyo (40) to legally seek greener pastures in Musina. He opted for a unique business plan, selling the wild jujube fruit to make a living. The fruit, called masau in Shona, is better known as mazwilu in Tshivenda.

According to Healthline.com, the jujube fruit is low in calories but rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making it an excellent healthy snack. The website states that jujube contains small amounts of several vitamins and minerals but is particularly rich in vitamin C, an important vitamin with antioxidant and immune-boosting properties. It also contains potassium, which plays a vital role in muscle control and electrolyte balance.

Moyo said he was pleased with how his small business had been received locally. “Many people enjoy this indigenous fruit, especially Zimbabwean nationals. Local people are also becoming accustomed to this fruit, and their buying power is increasing daily. With a small container costing R10 and a larger one R20, I don’t go to bed hungry because the little I earn each day goes a long way in improving my life.”

He said the fruit grew abundantly in Zimbabwe, particularly in the Mazarabani area of Mashonaland. “Local people pick the fruit, and I buy stock from them to sell here in Musina. I urge my brothers and sisters from Zimbabwe who want to come to South Africa in search of greener pastures to do so legally instead of crossing the border without any legal documents. If you are here legally, you can live freely and work without fear because you automatically become part of the local community.”

Date:31 August 2024

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