For Makitalena Yalimai, a 62-year-old entrepreneur from Naloto, Vereta, a simple parcel of roti symbolizes her remarkable journey of resilience and survival. For over fifty years, she has dedicated herself to selling roti parcels, a trade that has provided for her family and shaped her identity.
Makitalena’s humble venture has enabled her to send her 13 children to school, cover household expenses, and ensure her family is well-fed. Reflecting on her long-standing profession, she states, “People may look down on selling food parcels but I cannot. It has been my life since I was a young girl.” This connection to food vending runs deep in her blood; her parents were also food sellers at Natovi Jetty, and she grew up helping them during weekends.
Rising at 2 a.m. while the world still sleeps, Makitalena prepares her dishes meticulously to catch the first boat around 6 a.m. Despite her five decades of experience, retirement is not on her agenda. “On this jetty, there is no retirement age,” she asserts. “As long as you have the strength and passion, business goes on.” Her commitment to staying active is intertwined with her work; she believes that without her daily routine, she would find herself idly sitting at home.
Her determination is evident as she resists her children’s suggestions to retire. “I want to earn an income and be my own boss,” she explains. Makitalena’s education, limited to Form 6 at Cathedral Secondary School, led her to embrace food vending as her career, fueled by the understanding that hard work and perseverance are key to success.
Beyond her own business, she plays a vital role in the community by mentoring young women who sell food at Natovi. As president of the Muaniwavu Women’s Club, which consists of 30 women vendors, she helps oversee pricing, quantity, standards, and hygiene practices.
Looking ahead, her aspirations include securing government or private support to establish a more professional space for food selling that would benefit commuters, travelers, and the hardworking women at Natovi Jetty. In addition to roti, she has diversified her offerings to include fish, sandwiches, and baked goods.
Makitalena has witnessed significant transformations at the Tailevu Jetty over the years, noting the increase in boats and improved facilities. Yet, one thing remains constant—her unwavering passion to serve. “Every day women turn up to make life easier for the public and, most importantly, to feed our families and send our children to school. Lives depend on us.” This spirit of resilience and commitment to community continues to shine through her ongoing efforts as a food entrepreneur.
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