By Bronwyn M Singh
The Newcastle Central Business District (CBD) is full of everyday people trying to earn enough to get by, whether they are selling masks, sweets or braai meat. One very popular vendor, Ndumiso Zulu, who walks around selling boiled eggs and Aromat, says he is just making an honest living.
Speaking to the Newcastle Express, Zulu said that one day he decided to give up drinking and make something of himself. “I began this business last year when I decided that I needed to stop drinking because I was depressed that I was unemployed. I said to myself that only I can make things happen for myself, so I decided on the most simple idea which was to sell boiled eggs and Aromat,” said Zulu.
He said business got off to a very slow start before he decided that he needed to be different in order to generate more money. “I then decided to call my business ‘Shipa Shipa’ which is very funny because it means to pass gas, and that happens when you eat too much boiled eggs,” laughed Zulu.
He then got himself a t-shirt with the words ‘Shipa Shipa’ printed on it and began walking around the CBD while shouting out “Shipa Shipa” and his business immediately picked up. “I guess it worked; it’s called marketing. Many people took a liking to me and began supporting my business. I have made many friends along the way and even have regular customers,” said Zulu.
In a day, the entrepreneur sells roughly six dozen boiled eggs. Zulu said that he would love to expand his business but needs assistance to do so. “I would be so grateful if someone can donate a little trolley to me, that would allow me to transport more eggs around the town and I would be able to support my family,” he said.
Zulu also has an 11-year-old daughter who is currently in hospital due to a kidney problem. “The doctors are still running tests to figure out what the problem is. She is also my reason for doing this. I want her to be proud of me one day and say that her dad did something. I could not find a job so I created an opportunity for myself,” he said.
Zulu’s message to everyone is to never compare yourself to others, find a ‘side hustle’ and make a living, and one day a great opportunity will find you.
