I want to live my dream but…

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By Meluse Kapatamoyo

After writing her Grade 12 exams, Vivienne Ntabo found herself working at one of the country’s popular chain-stores. With its good reputation for paying comfortable salaries to its workers, she hoped to raise enough money for college by working for a year. But it has been four years now and she is far from living her dream as an Information Technology (IT) specialist.

Mary explained: “My mother died a few months before I wrote my grade 12 exams. As a single parent, she had spent many years in the sun, selling tomatoes and fruits to ensure that I was educated. She died suddenly. I promised myself that to honour her memory, I would finish college.”

When the opportunity came to work as a cashier, Vivienne saw it as a chance to save some money for college. But like so many people desperate for jobs, she started work without signing a contract. Her excitement turned to disappointment when she received her first salary.

“I had heard good things about this company and my expectations were high. It really didn’t bother me that I had not signed a contract. I knew I would be treated well. My supervisor gave me K350, 000 as my first salary. I couldn’t believe,” narrated Vivienne. “The next few months followed and I was given the same amount. The housing and transport allowances that I was expecting never came. But I dared not question my boss. After all, I was not the only one getting that amount.”

Staying with it

When the exam results were released, Vivienne’s results were impressive but with her low wages, she was unable to attend college. And while, her salary has moved up to K800, 000 after the Ministry of Labour intervened, she is still far from achieving her dream.

“Although my salary has risen over the years, so have the prices of goods and services. In addition when there are shortages in the store, workers have to pay for it from their salaries. I intend to do my IT course when I am able to but for now, I will soldier on because I can’t afford to lose this job. It pays little but there are people who earn less than I do.”

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