HE is probably well known for his loud hailer and marketing
phrase “Umuthi wamazinyo la! Mushonga wemazino pano” in the streets of
Bulawayo, but what many do not know is that Mr Rabson Zikhali is a former
Witswatersrand University medical student who had to drop out due to personal
reasons.
His herbal-based toothache remedy concoction is probably
the most used in the city with some claiming it is more effective than
prescribed meds from dentists and cheaper too.
Mr Zikhali originally from Nkayi said he started his herbal
concoction business in 2013 and has never looked back as oral problems are as
common as headaches in Bulawayo.
According to Zikhali, the small packet of toothache
concoction which costs USD$1 or equivalent has helped him build a home for his
family and provide for all their needs.
“I acquired my knowledge in South Africa, came back to
operate in my home country and registered a company by the name New Era
Chemicals in 2013. This herbal company deals mainly with solving almost all
dental and other health problems using crude natural remedies, both indigenous
and exotic,” says the father of four who lives in Lobengula suburb.
“I tried studying medicine in 2008 at Wits, but ended up
resorting to herbs for reasons which I cannot disclose in public. I have since
decided to make a living by selling herbs and it is as easy as going around
saying, ‘Umuthi wamazinyo la! Teeth remedy here, Mushonga wemazino pano!’.”
Mr Zikhali says he normally targeted crowds and it was easy
for him to find customers where there were gatherings.
“So far I have managed to pay school fees, build a
beautiful home for my family in the rural areas and I’m working towards
acquiring land to plant my herbs,” he adds.
“My word of encouragement concerning oral health is let us
all refrain from eating or drinking very hot nor very cold food and drinks to
avoid expansion and contraction of teeth which is the major cause of dental
problems.”
He adds that his gift in the knowledge of herbs is not
spiritual as he gathered that from his days when he wanted to be a doctor.
“I realised that it was possible to treat many of the
diseases without using the chemicals found in most of our medicines that is why
I decided to venture into the business and help people using natural resources.
It pained to see people remove teeth all the time when I knew there was a
remedy to stop toothaches without them going through the pains of tooth
extraction,” he says.
Mr Zikhali, like every Zimbabwean, has not been spared from
the effects of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions as he can no longer reach his
clients as before.
He says before lockdown, he would sell about 100 packets of
the concoction daily but since March, the number had reduced to only 20
packets.
“I have lost out due to the lockdown but I am grateful
because as a mobile herbalist I can reach out to some of my clients who still
come into town. Many seek for my services via WhatsApp and I try and meet up so
that I deliver the needed remedy,” said Mr Zikhali.
“Business may be slow these days but I still manage to help
people deal with toothaches and that is a major success for me. I even have an
office in town where people can reach me but I am ever available for
consultations as I also have herbs to help people with heart conditions and
other non-communicable diseases.” Chronicle
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