Today a pinnacle of the Warren Park and to a greater extent the Harare community was laid to rest. Caroline “Mai George” Mereki was buried at a local cemetery after she had passed on the previous day due to complications from a stroke she had suffered the previous week.
A fixture at KwaMereki “gochi gochi” spot for over 20 years, Mai George will be remembered fondly by countless patrons, for her amazing service.
Central to Zimbabwean food culture is our never ending love for braai meat. Whether on the weekend or on a regular week day, we throng to our favourite braai/gochi gochi spots for even the quickest of bites. With none being more popular than KwaMereki.
To arrive at the place is to be bombarded by countless proffers:
“Mogocherwa naMai Chihera? Mogocherwa Mai Prudence here? Mai Fungayi varipo. Mai George pano…”
“Would you like Mai Chihera to braai for you? Can Mai Prudence braai for you? Mai Fungayi is available. Mai George is here…”
No braai stall would be the wrong choice but often Mai George would feel right. So popular was her stall that rumours of her using witchcraft to attract customers once spread like wildfire.
Mai George was not just gifted with great cooking skills but business acumen. A niece of the businessman, Mr Mereki who owned the first bottle store and butchery at the centre, in 1990 Mai George broke away from her uncle’s shops to erect a braaing spot and start offering the service of cooking the meat from the shops while patrons relaxed and enjoyed themselves.
I saw a great opportunity to make money by offering to braai the patron’s meat while they enjoyed their drinks. I’m a widow so people would call me by my son’s name, George. Mai George has been stuck on me ever since.
Mai George would go on to become an integral of the braai centre. Helping form a cooperative of the stall owners and taking up the position of chairperson for several years. Mai George was dedicated to her business and determined to always keep it going.
I have raised my children and lived by this business all my life. I currently employ five people and we will continue to soldier on till the bitter end. If opportunities arise I would be glad to take my business beyond the borders but I will not close shop. Mai George has stood the test of time, so we are here to stay.
