THERESA ZIBOWA
MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO – Kudakwashe Nemera (28), a wheelchair bound tout at Croco Bus terminus in Masvingo cannot have one square meal a day as he is only making US$2 a day from his work.
Nemera is appealing for financial assistance from well-wishers so that he can open an electronics shop in Mucheke.
He told The Mirror that he used to make US$6 a day which was just enough to sustain him as he could pay rent and get food for himself. The economic hardships in the country have seen business plunging and the US$2 I am making is not even enough for one meal, he said.
Nemera who has been a tout at Croco Motors in Masvingo Central Business District (CBD) for nearly seven years told The Mirror in an interview that he is struggling to cope with competition from new touts.
He wakes up at 5am every day, pushes himself into town from Mucheke and starts touting at 6 am only to take home US$2.
“The economy is down and competition is now stiff and I am struggling to meet rentals, buy food and sent money to my parents in Maringire, Chivi. I wake early every morning to get to work. I have to push my wheelchair into town because I can’t afford to pay for a taxi every day.
“I am appealing for assistance to operate a small electronics shop. That has always been my dream. As it is I am even struggling to meet rentals. I stay alone in Mucheke,” he bemoaned.
His wheelchair is tattered and needs a replacement.
“My wheelchair costs US$250 and the current one will be worn out by midyear. I have received assistance from well-wishers including the late Gayle Mhonderwa and the Vimbai Chase led Chosen Generation (GC),” he added.
Chiedza Nyautare, a woman who works with Nemera at Croco said he needs all the support that he can get.