5 minute read
Business Beyond Profit
Sai’s Kitchen transforms Havana with tradition and empowerment
In the heart of Havana, an informal settlement in Windhoek, Saima Mukwiilongo is rewriting the narrative, turning a place often associated with challenges into a vibrant hub of culture and opportunity. Born and raised in this community, she decided to breathe life into Havana through Sai’s Kitchen, a traditional food restaurant that looks beyond its function as a business, focusing on community upliftment. To get to Sai’s Kitchen, you have to follow a dusty gravel road beginning at the famous open markets called Havana Fourway.
At this four-way stop everyone has something to sell, ranging from vegetables, fruits, second-hand clothing, Kapana, and more. Most sellers will either be standing in the sun or the lucky ones under the shade of old rainbow-coloured umbrellas.
Arriving at Sai’s Kitchen, you will see a double-story zinc shack painted in maroon. Inside, yellow-painted cardboard divisions give the space a vibrant look.
On the walls are some beautiful drawings in pink and blue chalk, with some hanging plants for decoration.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Saima’s journey began in 2017 when she transformed a onebedroom shack into a kitchen selling mopane worms, chips and chicken. Starting with just her cousin as her partner, Sai’s Kitchen today employs 12 women from the community. Saima, fuelled by a desire to combat high unemployment and poverty, utilised her student refund from the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund to venture into traditional food, aiming to preserve the fading cultural heritage of her community.
In the face of challenges, Saima’s business took a remarkable turn in 2019. She started free cooking lessons to support young girls in her area with dreams of being cooks, empowering them with culinary skills.
“At the time I had few customers, so I started the free training. At first, only two ladies showed up. I almost gave up. During the second phase, things improved, and I had 10 young ladies – the majority from Havana, but some from Wanaheda too,” says Saima.
To continue with her business, she began cleaning houses as a part-time job to reinvest back into her business.
Looking back at those early days, she says: “I remember only being able to cook two chickens per day because the stove was too slow, and when it rained the whole area got flooded. Sometimes customers made me feel bad for having a business in Havana. They would say, ‘Your food is good, but you are in Havana. On a gravel road? Never mind!’”
Saima chooses to support local. She gets her ingredients from Havana Fourway and supports the lady vendors selling on the streets.
Despite early financial struggles, the initiative flourished, and Saima’s perseverance paid off when her profits soared to N$5,000 after years of humble earnings. After two years of making less than N$300 a week, she recalls telling her best friend, “Bra, I made my first 5k,” adding, “It felt so good, man!”
KEEPING THE CULTURE ALIVE
Sai’s Kitchen stands as a beacon of culture – adorned with vibrant colours and an inviting atmosphere. Tourists and most locals, initially hesitant due to misconceptions about informal settlements, now flock there to experience local flavours.
Saima not only serves traditional dishes but also educates tourists on the preparation and sourcing of ingredients. Overcoming stereotypes, Sai’s Kitchen has become a testament to the rich cultural heritage within Havana.
It’s not hard to give back to your community. It does not have to be money, but there’s something about giving back to a place that raised you.
SUSTAINABILITY
In addition to her kitchen, Saima tends a small garden in Brakwater, growing spinach and raising goats and chickens. The garden not only supplements Sai’s Kitchen with fresh produce but also embodies Saima’s commitment to sustainability.
“I came up with the garden as part of sustainability and also a tribute to my late brother who loved plants. We already started getting spinach from our garden,” she says.
She ultimately envisions a self-sufficient kitchen, sourcing local ingredients and empowering the community through shared resources.
Saima’s journey with Sai’s Kitchen is more than a culinary venture – it is a story of resilience, empowerment and cultural preservation. Through her efforts, Havana is not just a settlement but a thriving community with a taste of tradition and a promising future.
“All I want is to continue supporting that girl child and letting her realise that regardless of where you come from your dreams are worth it,” she concludes.
Due to popular demand, Sai’s Kitchen now has a kitchen in town, providing opportunities for unemployed Namibians.
Sai’s Kitchen can be found in Havana, Eneas Peter Nanyemba Road and Angola Street, and in town you can visit Sai’s Kitchen in Ausspannplatz, Rehoboth Road at Kings Lounge.
Get in touch with Saima at saiskitchen93@gmail.com.
