- Lundi Lumbe, 40, sells braaied pork for R15 to R25 and sausages for R25 in Site C, Khayelitsha, keeping him away from gang life.
- He spends R2,500 on groceries, R600 on electricity, sends R800 to siblings, and his wife bakes bread instead of buying it.
Seven years ago, Lundi Lumbe, a father of two originally from Xhorha in the Eastern Cape, started a business selling braaied pork and sausages in Khayelitsha township, Cape Town.
The 40-year-old runs his business in Site C, Khayelitsha.
“Starting this business has saved me from a lot of things, like committing crime. I chose to sell meat because it is in demand. Everyone likes meat,” said Lumbe.
Living in an area like Khayelitsha can easily turn someone into a criminal, as some are forced to join gangs.
“Most of my peers ended up joining crime because they saw it as a way out of poverty. Some were forced to join. Opening this business kept me busy. I didn’t have free time, which sometimes plays a huge role in people’s lives. They tend to use that free time breaking the law,” said Lumbe.
He sells a piece of braaied pork for R15, R20, or R25, and a sausage for R25.
The busy days for business start on the 25th when social grants are paid.
“With the money I make by selling meat, I can take care of my family. Even though I cannot mention the exact amount, it is enough,” said Lumbe.
He opens at 8am and closes between 4pm and 7pm.
“Sometimes the closing time depends on the customers. I usually close at 4pm, but when I get more customers, I extend the closing time,” he said.
He buys groceries for R2,500, electricity for R600, and sends R800 to his siblings. He also pays R500 for a funeral policy and R500 for his child’s crèche.
“I am giving my family R800 to add to their groceries,” said Lumbe.
When doing groceries, they buy basics, combos, and vegetables, but have had to cut some things out.
“We used to love lamb, peanut butter, and we used to buy all cereals for our kids. Now we only buy cornflakes, instant porridge, and oats,” he said.
In their groceries, they don’t leave out flour and noodles.
“We buy flour so we don’t have to buy bread because it is expensive. My wife bakes bread and the kids eat it with noodles because they love them,” said Lumbe.
His family also loved pies and cold meat.
“For now, I am working hard to afford basics. We will see other things when we have money, but I doubt we will because the cost of living is too high. Everything is going up,” said Lumbe.
The wood he buys to braai meat costs R900 a month.
“If you want to make money, you have to spend money. I also buy spice for R60 and R20 because some customers like their meat with sauce and spice, while others just want it with salt,” said Lumbe.
Pictured above: Lundi Lumbe sells meat at Khayelitsha Site C area to feed his family.
Image source: Buziwe Nccuze
