Africa-Press – Namibia. Auleria Wakudumo
OSHAKATI – In a tiny shack in Evululuko, long after midnight when most people are asleep, the soft hum of a sewing machine keeps 24-year-old Josophina Silas, popularly known as Sabakatan, company.
It is here, under the warm glow of a single bulb, that she works tirelessly by turning pieces of fabric into handbags, school bags and travel bags.
Just a few months ago, Silas was a struggling hairdresser, unsure of how she would pay her student fees or support herself.
Today, she is a rising young entrepreneur, whose talent and determination have won the hearts of many customers.
Her journey began quite unexpectedly.
One ordinary day, while scrolling through YouTube, she stumbled upon a video of people making bags.
“It looked simple because I already knew how to sew – even though my skills were not advanced,” she said with a smile.
With only N$150 in her savings, Silas took a leap of faith.
She went to a Chinese shop in town, hoping to buy material to make her first bag.
However, reality hit her quickly.
When they told her that the material cost N$130, she felt disappointed because she still needed cab money.
Instead of giving up, she walked around the shop, searching for another option.
She found half a piece of material at the cost of N$80.
She recalled that her first creation was not perfect. However, there came a moment that changed everything when her neighbour bought the bag.
“In her eyes, it was the best. She told her friends to support me. That’s how I got my first customers,” she said.
With every sale, she reinvested the money into new material.
She soon began selling at the Oshakati Open Market, where she encountered customers who encouraged her to add inner pockets and sections to her bags.
One day, a stranger called her and said she loved her work.
She offered to teach her how to section bags as long as she paid her taxi money.
She took the chance, and that lesson changed her craft forever.
Her business has since blossomed.
Today, Silas sells more than 10 bags a day.
Within just three months, she saved enough to buy a N$15 000 sewing machine, a milestone she still speaks about with pride.
Alongside her business, Silas is a student at Atlantic Training Institution, studying Dental Assistant.
She is also improving her subjects at the Namibia College of Open Learning while saving to further her education.
Her bags are priced at N$100, N$150 and N$200, depending on size.
Accessories have become popular among locals for their creativity and durability.
Silas’ journey is not without challenges.
She currently works in a small zinc shack, far from her home.
Some nights, she finishes work past midnight and must run home in the dark.
The heat inside the shack also makes her working environment difficult.
Silas is appealing to anyone – government, private individuals or organisations – who may be able to help her secure a safer and more suitable workspace.
“Any help to motivate me is welcome,” she said.
Despite the obstacles, Silas remains hopeful and full of encouragement for her peers.
“I started with N$150. You don’t have to wait for big capital. Just start with what you have. It will grow,” she said.
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