By Tsakani Mathebula
PHALABORWA- A resident from Lulekani is making significant strides in the fruit and vegetable market, against all odds. Kulani Hlatshwayo, a 33-year-old street vendor, said he became interested in selling fruits after he has seen a gap in his village and realised that fruits and vegetables will help in boosting people’s immune systems. Hlatshwayo does not only sell fruits but he supports men’s health, as we culminate the month on November whereby the Movember movement is celebrated. Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide.
According to him, he started growing beard in support of men’s health. “I believe that my fruits will help not only men but everyone especially to boost their immune systems and to stay healthy, ” he mentioned.
He further said that after realizing the rising unemployment rate in South Africa, he had to do something to feed his family.
Hlatshwayo said he started selling fruits from the back of his bakkie and now he has established markets, one is next to the Phalaborwa Post office and the other market is outside Lulekani Spar.
Meanwhile, the street vendor said he suffered a great loss during the period of lockdown. “I understand the Covid-19 regulations and that staying at home was for a good cause and lifesaving, but some of us who survive by selling fruits hit us hard,” he expressed.
However, he said he will keep on supporting men’s health and encouraging them to eat healthy, exercise, and do regular checkups. “I want to see myself having a big Fruit and Vegetable market in Phalaborwa one day,” he concluded
