11 Aug 2014

Aging is inevitable for all and it is a phase not cherished by all, as for some, it marks the end of a career. For others like Ms Reginah Matenge of Sebina, it marks the beginning of another career. 



Ms Matenge, born in 1946, the former principal conveyancing assistant with the Attorney Generals started her small floor polish business in 2006 after retiring from her job.

She said in an interview that she was mostly prompted by her low financial situation.

 “I used to work and as such I was used to a regular income, now when I retired I had to find something that can bring in money and I identified a need and filled the gap,” she said.

She makes the floor polish from home using fire and the ingredients include candles, paraffin and plastic.

 “I use candles with different colours to make different coloured polish, the colours range from white, yellow, red and blue amongst others,” she said.



Explaining the process, which starts with melting the candles, she said after melting the candles, she removes the pot from the fire and then pours in the paraffin. 



She said it is essential that the candles are melted using fire in an open space, because when the plastic is added, there is usually an explosion of fire and as such if it is within a house, it might cause fire.



Ms Matenge noted that the plastic that she uses is a transparent one and it is an element that produces the shiny effect once the polish is applied on the floor.

 There is a black polish in which they add tar to the candles and is hugely in demand as people like its long lasting effects.



Ms Kebonye Basima, who is a regular customer, applauded the black polish, saying it is easy to use and it leaves the floor in a good condition for a long time. 



She is also attracted by the affordable price and she opts for the particular polish than the ones in the shops because it leaves the floor dark and shiny.

 The prices for the polish range from P10 to P20 and Ms Matenge noted that she sells around 35-40 tins per day.



She added that she buys the tins she uses to display her polish from garages and noted that even though such is the case, she finds herself with a challenge at times as they are sometimes not enough.



Ms Matenge also faces challenges such as competition as a lot of people have started making this polish, but luckily for her, she has her regular clientele.

She said she plans to expand her business in future and prides herself with the fact that she also does other things like sewing clothes and interior decorations like pillows and cushions. 



Ms Matenge said people should not depend on government for everything, noting that pensioners like her should try and break into something that could earn them a living. Ends