A MATERO resident has ditched his K2,500 monthly salary and taken to cycling across Lusaka as a Yango delivery rider, saying the move has significantly improved his ability to support his family.
Benson Simbeye, 32, said relying on a modest wage while supporting his wife and two children had become unbearable, especially with the rising cost of living in the capital city.
“I was walking to work at 06:00 hours and knocking off late, only to receive K2,500 at the end of the month. It was not enough to take care of myself and my family,” Simbeye told Kalemba.
Simbeye explained that the decision to leave his steady job came after realizing he needed an alternative source of income.
That decision led him to the ride-hailing platform Yango, where he now offers rides and deliveries using his bicycle.
Simbeye shared that on a good day he earns about K400, money he uses to provide for his household and meet other pressing needs.
“I couldn’t take care of myself and my family properly until I tried Yango with my bicycle. Now it fetches me good money,” he said.
Originally from Matero, Simbeye had struggled to stretch his modest salary to cover rent, food and school needs for his children.
The challenges eventually pushed him to explore other avenues for income.
Despite the physical demands of cycling long distances every day, Simbeye said giving up was never an option.
He disclosed that the flexibility of being his own boss has made the hustle worthwhile.
“Now I am able to knock off anytime I want and also start my business,” he said.
“I didn’t start so long ago but this is profitable. I am enjoying my experience.”
Life in Lusaka, he explains, is expensive and relying entirely on a fixed salary is unrealistic for many families.
By Haggai Hamunyemba
Kalemba March 17, 2026
