19 years of wheeling oneself to independence
Despite the kwacha tumbling over the years as the cost of living increased unprecedentedly, Kondwani Kaliati, 37, has not given up or succumbed to fate like the majority.
His is a tale of resilience from 2005 to 2024 in a hostile economic environment as he has proven that success can be found in the humblest of endeavours.
For 19 years, Kaliati has faithfully pushed his trusty wheelbarrow, ferrying customers’ goods from Bangwe Weaving Factory stage to their respective homes some as far as BCA Township in Blantyre.
Through this humbling enterprise, Kaliati has built a remarkable legacy for himself at Masala in Namiyango Township.
“I have managed to build three two-bedroomed houses, one of which I live in and rent out the two at K25 000 each per month,” he said last week.
The father of four wakes up at 5 am and returns home around 8pm daily.
Wearing khaki shorts, black shirt and torn slippers, Kaliati seems like a decent man despite his daily trade.
Before he started carrying goods for his customers, he did pieceworks which he said were unfulfilling.
“At the time, many of my colleagues went to South Africa for greener pastures,” he said.
But Kaliati’s journey has not been rosy.
His drinking and smoking created problems for his family, especially his wife, Taonga, a vegetable seller.
Kaliati decided to quit drinking and smoking to save money.
In 2010, he saved enough to buy land and started building his first house.
He gained stable customers and by the time he finished his first house, he had saved enough to build the other houses on the same piece of land.
He attributes his success to Taonga’s support, whom he married in 2007.
On a good day, Kaliati makes K18 000 and K8 000 when business is slow.
Taonga said her husband’s success has earned him respect in the community.
The couple has four children; two are in private secondary schools and two in primary school.
She said they encourage their children to work hard in school and assure them of support in their academic journey.
Despite being primary school dropouts, the couple believes education is key to success; hence, they would like to see their children make it to university.
Kaliati, who for the past two decades has been wheeling his wheelbarrow and has built houses to support his daily income, says he is yet to throw in the towel.
“I would like to buy a car someday for business. Maybe after that, I will quit carrying people’s goods,” he said.
The Mighty Mukuru Wanderers supporter, who comes from Traditional Authority Mabuka in Mulanje, rests only on Sundays and in his free time, he enjoys watching football.
He also makes time to play bawo as one way of catching up with some of his friends.
But Kaliati has developed a niche of customers who call him even on his day of rest to ferry their goods to preferred destinations.
As he looks back on his 19-year journey, Kaliati said he is thankful to God for strength and good health.
“Fortunately, I have never been robbed. It’s not easy when carrying cash daily,” he said.
Kaliatii’s story serves as a reminder that at times, success is not solely defined by fame, but by determination and commitment no matter the circumstances.
