AN EIGHTEEN year old of Matero’s Lilanda in Lusaka, Shadreck Chituta is moving at a steps pace to cater for his family and survive rather than fall victim to fast money antics that have forced his age mates into drug abuse and crime within the area.
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Chituta is normally found carefully arranging padlocks, nails, and hammers on a wooden stall he proudly calls his hardware business.
For most, it may look like just another market stand. But behind those shelves lies a story of pain, resilience, and an unshakable dream.
Shadreck lost his mother in 2016. Two years later, death struck again, claiming his father and leaving him an orphan at only 11 years old.
Without the comfort of parental care, and with no financial support for school, the young boy’s future seemed destined for hardship.
“Life became so hard after my parents died. I really wanted to continue school but finances failed me,” he recalled.
While many of his peers in the compound found escape in alcohol and drugs, Shadreck chose a different path. He took on odd jobs, pieceworks in construction sites and small errands, saving every kwacha he could.
Eventually, his small savings became the seed capital for a humble hardware stand at Lilanda Market.
“I started this business with the few coins I managed to save from hustling. It’s the only thing I have right now,” he said.
From his small stall, the teenager sells padlocks, nails, hammers and other building materials, managing to support himself and his household in a modest way.
But despite his courage and determination, Shadreck admits his hardware business needs help if it is to grow.
“All I need right now is someone who can help me to grow my business so that I can be able to support my family,” stated Shadreck.
He added that his dream is to one day open a proper hardware shop that doesn’t only sustain his life but also create employment for others.
By George Musonda
Kalemba, September 8, 2025
