Malunga, the enterprising butcher

Many people just rear pigs without thinking of making quick money out of the enterprise. But for 44-year-old George Chiphazi Malunga of Kaumphawi Village, Traditional Authority Nsamala in Balaka rearing of pigs can change one’s fortunes.

Malunga is not only a pig farmer but also an entrepreneur as he sells pork outside Balaka Market.

“I do not buy pigs to slaughter. I have my own kraal from where I get pigs to slaughter. I buy pigs in rare cases, especially when I want to allow my pigs to grow and fatten,” says Malunga.

Currently, Malunga has 14 animals in his piggery. Apart from selling pork, Malunga also sells pork kebabs and he has employed two people who help him.

“Many people were buying from me fresh meat and resell it as roasted meat, therefore, I realised that I can kill two birds with one stone by also selling roasted meat,” he says.

Malunga said the business is profitable and through it he has managed to send his children to secondary school.

“I have also managed to buy a vehicle and a motor bike. I have also built a house which is electrified,” he said.

He sells a kilogramme of pork at K1 000.

Malunga said he keeps healthy animals, which fetch a lot when he slaughters them because he supplements their feed with bonya (small usipa fish).

“I have realised that bonya is good for pigs. Bonya is really doing wonders to my pigs,” he said.

The Balaka butcher, who is a Standard Eight drop out, said he follows good animal farming practices from Balaka-based agricultural extension workers.

Malunga plans to own a modern butchery in the near future.

“I am very optimistic that through my hardwork and good management of my income, someday I will be able to own a modern butchery here in Balaka. I also want to expand my business so that I can employ more people. Through this way I hope I will take part in eradicating unemployment among youths,” he said.