Details In Copacabana Sadza Cooking Man

By A Correspondent — The identity and story of the man recently seen cooking sadza in the busy Copacabana area of central Harare has emerged, revealing a deeply moving tale of struggle, sacrifice and resilience.

The man, widely known as Teacher Chikwava, is a trained science teacher who turned to cooking and selling sadza in theHarare Central Business District as a way of supporting his family after facing financial hardship.

In an interview, Chikwava explained that his decision to cook and sell food on the streets was driven by the responsibility of caring for his 24-year-old son who lives with epilepsy and is both deaf and unable to speak. The demanding care required by his son has made it difficult for him to maintain stable formal employment.

For the past two years, Chikwava has been preparing and selling sadza and relish at Copacabana, one of Harare’s busiest transport hubs, in a desperate attempt to earn an income and provide for his family.

His story came to public attention after a video of him cooking sadza in the middle of the CBD circulated widely on social media, prompting both sympathy and debate about the growing struggle for survival faced by many Zimbabweans in the informal economy.

Copacabana, a major bus terminus and trading hub in Harare, has long been a centre of informal economic activity where vendors sell food, clothing and other goods to commuters and city workers.

Many Zimbabweans have been pushed into such informal trading due to the country’s prolonged economic challenges, which have made it difficult for professionals and skilled workers to secure stable jobs.

Despite the hardships he faces, those who have interacted with Chikwava describe him as a humble and hardworking man determined to provide dignity and care for his family.

“What a gentleman,” said one resident who had met him. “May he receive all the good things coming his way.”

His story has since touched many Zimbabweans who say it highlights the resilience of ordinary citizens struggling to survive in difficult economic circumstances.