Qunu business scores big

BUSINESS is booming in Qunu as scores of journalists arrive to cover any happenings at Nelson Mandela’s homestead.

The Daily Dispatch yesterday spoke to a number of businesses, from spaza shop owners to tavern owners, who said the journalists’ visit was putting money in their pockets.

Njongo Nkunzi who runs a tavern and a shop in the Lwalweni area of Qunu said several journalists had visited his shop in recent days.

“We have seen an increase in our businesses as journalists camp outside tata’s house. We are making more money now than before,” said Nkunzi.

Nkunzi said their area was crime free, allowing journalists to work until late in the evening.

“Some journalists asked about the crime rate in the area and we told them this area is a safe area. So they have been enjoying every second they are here. In the evenings they come here to have a few beers,” said Nkunzi.

Another business owner, Andisiwe Balizulu, said people mostly bought bread, biscuits and cigarettes.

“Cigarettes, sweets and chips are the most popular items with these journalists. Some of them have asked for regular food and we will see what we can do about that,” said Balizulu.

Business people had a meeting a few weeks ago to discuss what to sell.

Nkunzi said his father, Templeton Nkunzi, had met other business people to discuss what to sell and at what prices.

“We wanted to do something uniform to prevent inflating prizes and overcharging people,” said Nkunzi. —