A rising star
Chapter 6: A Rising Star
By now, Chanda's reputation as a determined and resourceful trader had spread throughout Soweto Market. Customers trusted his fair prices, and fellow vendors respected his resilience. Yet, the threats of witchcraft and sabotage lingered in the back of his mind. Chanda resolved to grow his business beyond the market to reduce his vulnerability.
His next step was clear: he needed to expand his reach into Lusaka's schools.
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The School Supply Contract
One morning, Chanda approached Ms. Banda, the teacher who had suggested he expand to schools months earlier. She taught at a government-run primary school in Kalingalinga, a busy suburb of Lusaka, and was well-connected in the education sector.
"You've proven you can handle the market," Ms. Banda said after hearing his pitch. "Supplying schools is a bigger challenge, but I believe you can do it. Let's start small. Can you provide supplies for 200 pupils? Notebooks, pencils, and rulers."
Chanda calculated the cost in his head:
Notebooks (200): 2,000 ZMW at 10 ZMW each
Pencils (400): 400 ZMW at 1 ZMW each
Rulers (200): 1,200 ZMW at 6 ZMW each
The total cost was 3,600 ZMW, but he could sell the supplies for 5,000 ZMW, earning a profit of 1,400 ZMW. It was a risk, as he would have to spend nearly all his savings to buy the stock. But Chanda knew this was his chance to break into a new market.
"I can deliver in two weeks," he said confidently.
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The Pressure of Expansion
With a tight deadline, Chanda spent the next few days negotiating with suppliers. He used his growing network to secure discounts, shaving off 300 ZMW from his total costs. Despite the pressure, he remained calm and focused, organizing his orders meticulously in his notebook.
The day of delivery arrived, and Chanda personally transported the supplies to the school. As he handed over the goods, Ms. Banda inspected each item carefully.
"You've done well, Chanda," she said with a smile. "I'll recommend you to other schools in the area."
For the first time, Chanda felt like he was stepping into a world of larger opportunities.
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A Shadow Returns
As Chanda celebrated his success, trouble began brewing at Soweto Market. One of his old rivals, Kangwa, had returned with a vengeance. Rumors spread that Kangwa had sought the help of a powerful witch doctor to "curse the boy who had stolen his customers."
Though Chanda tried to ignore the gossip, the effects were hard to dismiss. Over the next week, his sales dropped unexpectedly. Customers who had once been loyal started avoiding his stall.
"I heard your goods bring bad luck," one woman whispered, refusing to make a purchase.
Chanda's frustration mounted. He refused to believe in curses but couldn't deny the toll it was taking on his business.
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A Plan to Fight Back
Determined to clear his name, Chanda devised a plan. He called on Mwila and a few trusted vendors to help him organize a community giveaway. Using 500 ZMW from his savings, Chanda purchased school supplies and distributed them to children in the area.
As word of his generosity spread, customers began returning to his stall.
"Anyone who gives so much to the community can't bring bad luck," a customer said, handing over 50 ZMW for a set of notebooks.
The giveaway not only restored Chanda's reputation but also strengthened his connection to the community.
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A Mentor Appears
Amid the chaos, Chanda caught the attention of a businessman named Mr. Phiri, who frequently visited Soweto Market to source supplies for his shops. Impressed by Chanda's resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, Mr. Phiri approached him with an offer.
"I see potential in you, Chanda," Mr. Phiri said. "I run a chain of shops across Lusaka, and I'm always looking for reliable suppliers. If you can handle a larger volume, I'd like to work with you."
Chanda's eyes widened. This was the opportunity he had been waiting for—a chance to scale his business beyond the market and into the retail sector.
"What would you need me to supply?" Chanda asked eagerly.
"Start with notebooks and pencils," Mr. Phiri replied. "If you deliver on time and at the right price, we can talk about expanding further."
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Scaling Up
To meet Mr. Phiri's demands, Chanda needed capital. He reached out to Ms. Banda, who had referred him to another school needing supplies. By completing both orders simultaneously, Chanda was able to pool enough resources to fulfill his first contract with Mr. Phiri.
The numbers were staggering:
Notebooks (1,000): Cost 10,000 ZMW, sold for 12,500 ZMW
Pencils (2,000): Cost 2,000 ZMW, sold for 3,000 ZMW
After deducting his expenses, Chanda earned a profit of 3,500 ZMW, his largest yet.
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The Price of Growth
As Chanda's business grew, so did the challenges. Managing multiple orders required careful planning and long hours. He often worked late into the night, balancing his books and preparing stock for delivery.
Meanwhile, his competitors at Soweto Market grew more hostile. Kangwa, in particular, continued spreading rumors, claiming that Chanda's success was due to witchcraft of his own.
"He's just a boy," Kangwa sneered. "How else could he grow so fast?"
The accusations hurt, but Chanda refused to let them distract him.
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A Moment of Reflection
One evening, after delivering a large order to Mr. Phiri's shop, Chanda returned to his small room in Kanyama. Exhausted but proud, he counted his earnings. His savings had now grown to 12,000 ZMW, a far cry from the 1,500 ZMW he had arrived with.
As he sat by the kerosene lamp, Chanda thought about everything he had overcome: the sabotage, the curses, and the relentless competition. Each challenge had made him stronger, more determined to succeed.
But he also knew that his journey was far from over. Lusaka had tested him in ways he never imagined, and greater challenges lay ahead.
Looking out at the flickering lights of the city, Chanda made a vow: "I will not just survive—I will thrive. One day, I will own this city."
With a deep breath, he closed his notebook and prepared for the next day, ready to take his business to even greater heights.