Chinese traders make a killing as Zims invade shops

FRANCISTOWN: Located in the western part of the city, Haskins Street is probably the busiest street in Francistown today.

Cashing in on the high demand for blankets, electronics and other goods, these immigrants have turned a chain of Chinese shops on Haskins Street into their shopping home. It is a matter of Chinese immigrant shop-owners attracting Zimbabwean immigrant-shoppers. The mall along this street, which some call 'Bulawayo', is not a modern boulevard and the buildings and pavement are clearly beaten with age. But it seems much more attractive to immigrants than locals.

As one meanders his way along these shops, one has to be vigilant and focus on where they are going, or risk colliding with this mass of people going in the opposite direction. Shona and Ndebele are the languages mostly spoken here. There is a bit of Setswana here and there. The movement is a real bustle. Most people would be carrying something. Men and women's necks look tense under the heavy loads on their heads.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up