By Freddy Macha
A Sukuma tribe proverb says: “The war of the stomach is fought and won by the hoe.” Hoe, as we know, is a symbol of work, ladies and gentlemen. You are shopping on Saturday. And being a writer, tiny details are forever sacred.
“How has your day been?” A posh supermarket attendant asks. Most supermarket rites in the developed world have turned into robots or machines. Through a human cashier or self-service devices.
This self-service option is super convenient if you are in a hurry, or have bought a few items and do not want to endure long in-house queues. The other advantage of self-servicing is you may carefully monitor your budget. Then walk off.
You wouldn’t then realise the money wasn’t enough. Example. A store would plead: “Sorry, let me take out this. Take that.” “And the onions?” “Don’t want the milk?” “Nope.” “And the onions?” “Take them out please.”
“And the chicken?” “That also.”
Meanwhile, behind you, faces of other weary customers waiting in despair.
Nowadays with self-service payment slots? Less pressure. You can slowly count your pennies, especially for the elderly who need more time. Yes, life in London is fast and ruthless.
There is a catch, however. According to released statistics in November 2023, food inflation increased by 5.4% compared to previous years, in London. With the concerns of health—times pinching our kidneys—most supermarkets have a corner where you have to scan your receipt on exit.
“So how is your day so far?” You obey the sales assistant. His job is to make sure you are OK with self-payment as it’s computer based. “Ah!” Turns voice as though hospitalised. “To be honest I would rather be home, relaxing you know. No life. Nothing on weekends.”
“You must be getting more bucks though.” He smiles. “150 pounds is hard to resist. Worth killing a muscle to get.”
Overtime, overtime, overtime. The Swahili slang for overtime is “kuchapa boksi” — everyone is here to “eke out a living.”
A hundred and fifty pounds for a Saturday shift (8 hours) is roughly half a million Tanzanian shillings. Bear in mind £150 might sound a lot but London life is expensive, considering food and rent and unnecessary psychology.
At the checkout later you are buying green vegetables such as Matembele, Magimbi (Eddoes) and Muhogo (Cassava). The attractive assistant smiles as you pay one of the tropical food shops down the high street.
“Do you eat Cassava?” Tease the cashier. She is friendly and efficient. “Mmmhhh.” “Why not?” “In my country we have Tapioca. That’s it.”
Tapioca is a variation of Cassava. Popular in Brazil and South East Asia where our lady hails from. “And how has your day been?” She sighs. “Tired. Really tired.” That is the mantra of London’s working folks. Always tired. Always working.
She adds: “Looking forward to finish at 6 PM.” Two hours to go? “Two hours. Sounds like two months.” Giggles. At least she has laughed.
“How much do I owe?” “Eleven pounds ninety pence. But take it in twelve. It’s even nicer.”
Happiness is never expensive. Especially when two kindred people are talking.
Bless your eyes.
Namaste if you speak Ki-Hindi.
Email: mtangowahindi@gmail.com
YouTube Channel: kwasimikolondon
