Kwa-Thema – “Not everyone is going to be employed, some of us are meant to be small businessmen and create employment for others.”
These are the words of African Reporter vendor Ntate Mbonani from Kwa-Thema.
The businessman operates his business at the corner of Bangani and Marule streets, where he sells a variety of items, which include accessories, toys and the African Reporter.
He has been a vendor for African Reporter for 13 years.
Mbonani said he used to be a regular reader of the paper and when a friend told him about the opportunity to make extra money through selling, he decided to try his luck.

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“I also realised there were no distributors in the area and residents had to walk to the local stores to buy the paper.
“This was another way to expand my small business and make more profit to help support my family,” he explained.
Mbonani started by selling 20 copies a week, buying with a friend who was already in business and, after a few months, he moved to 100 copies and today sells 400 copies.
Every Friday morning, he delivers the paper door-to-door to his loyal customers, who mostly pay him monthly.
“This helps me to know how many people want the paper and how many orders I must place. It also helps me
not to have to return papers, which will be a financial loss to me.
“This business has taught me communication skills, time management, the importance of saving money and finding ways to expand my business,” he added.
Mbonani is looking to increase the number of papers to reach more customers.
“I am happy to be part of the history of this local newspaper,” he concluded.

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