Source: Inside Harare’s sprouting malls -Newsday Zimbabwe
SLOWLY, they are replacing salons that were known for some social ills such as gossip, rumour mongering, fights and unnecessary competition.
The influx of malls in the Harare’s central business district has come along with a new vice.
Most formal businesses are closing shop and building owners turning their properties into malls.
Inside these malls, one finds tables, cubicles and small shops.
Some are into selling household wares, others electrical accessories and gadgets, with a formidable number into clothes and canteens.
Most of these tables and shops are manned by young girls and women.
Speaking to the NewsDay Weekender, a man who introduced himself as Sparx said it’s a mixed bag in these malls.
“Elder, muno munoitwa yese yese (Elder it’s a mixed bag in the malls). We have witnessed fights, gossip and at times drug and substance use,” he said.
“It is easy to know, for example, who among these ladies is on their menses even though I am a man. We get that through the rumour mill.”
Posing as prospective buyers, this reporter went to one of these malls, where three young women share a table.
One of the ladies went to buy a cold drink and the remaining ones started gossiping on her.
“Idressing rudziiko ina mbuya (What type of dressing is this). People should know their bodies and should dress accordingly,” they laughed as they clapped hands, a sign they disapproved of their workmate’s dressing, but were not able to let her know.
Surprisingly, when she came back, they pretended all was well and even engaged her in other issues they started discussing.
“It’s the norm mdara (big guy), that’s their daily bread. Women pick unnecessary fights. They can even fight over change or clients,” Sparx added.
“They sometimes accuse each other of witchcraft. We once witnessed bute (snuff) sprinkled on one of the doors here. The superstitious ones bought coarse salt to neutralise that snuff.
“Sometimes, they fight for boyfriends. Or they tip each other on how to cheat their men. Some of the girls are used as fronts when boyfriends or husbands give a surprise visit.”
Tatenda, a cellphone dealer in one of the malls along Nelson Mandela Avenue, put the icing on the cake: “Often times, we hear that friends are no longer on talking terms because of snatching each other’s man.”
Another issue raised by those interviewed by NewsDay Weekender was that of dressing.
“Most of them want to dress as models. Or they would like to make a statement to their clients on how good their merchant is.”
At times, their dressing is not up to standard, NewsDay Weekender heard.
“At times, they wear revealing attire, which we find quite offensive.”
Some wear very short dresses all in the name of fashion.
Unlike in the formal or corporate world where proper dressing is a must, the same cannot be said in malls.
As the accusations mounted, this publication also witnessed that there are some those who are into drug peddling.
The regulars know these bases and the language they use to access them.
On the flip side, these malls have helped in empowering the girl child, some who never thought they would have an income in their lives.
Again, most of these tables are owned by women who are into buying and selling.
“I am earning a decent salary according to my standards. I am a single mother and am fending for my children and my mother who is in the rural areas. I managed to transfer my kid to a better school,” said Netsai, a shop attendant.
“Besides my salary, I get some tips from clients. Some men show off and they tell you to keep change.
“Some do not even negotiate and this will be to my advantage.”
Mai Taku, an owner of five tables across different malls, said at least she is surviving from this business.
“I started small, but at least I can see growth. I am surviving,” she said.
“I have engaged helpers because I can’t do by myself.
“I travel a lot and I am always on the internet looking for new stuff.”
In these malls, there is internet connection, where one gets three gigabytes for a dollar.
“Connectivity is very vital as we get clients online,” Lucia said.
“Besides, I am studying towards my first degree, so as I do my work, I also have an opportunity to study,” she confided to this publication.
Indeed it’s a mixed bag in these malls, where both opportunities and misfortunes can befall anyone.
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