Umbhona Umbhona Oshushu: The Voice and Heart of Makhanda
Thursday, 24th July 2025
You may not know her name, but if you’ve ever walked through the streets of Makhanda, you know her voice.
That iconic call—“Umbhona! Umbhona oshushu!”—has become part of the city’s heartbeat. It cuts through the morning air, wraps around corners, and reaches you with the promise of something familiar, warm, and wonderfully local: a fresh, steaming mealie.
Behind that voice is Linda Ngxande, a woman whose story is as flavourful as the food she sells. Born and raised in Makhanda, Linda lives in Extension 6 and has become something of a local legend—not because she sought fame, but because she embodies the spirit of resilience, hustle, and community.“I love selling in Makhanda because it’s my hometown. I grew up here. Most of my customers are people I know—some I even grew up with,” she shares proudly.
From Setback to Seedling
Linda’s journey began in 2015 after she lost her job at Osher. Instead of giving in to discouragement, she took her pension payout and headed to East London to buy chocolates to resell. But that trip planted another seed.
“While I was in East London, I saw a lady selling mealies. I was interested. I thought, I can also do this.” When she returned to Makhanda, she didn’t just jump in—she practiced how she’d call out to potential customers. “Oshushu” (meaning hot) was the part she struggled with most, but eventually she mastered her signature line: “Umbhona! Umbhona oshushu!”
And just like that, a voice was born—a voice that would carry her from the sidewalks of town to the hearts of locals.
A Taste That Evolves
Linda’s food journey didn’t stop with mealies. As her confidence and customer base grew, she expanded her offerings to include roosterkoek—first plain, then filled with mouthwatering options like mince, burgers, and pork chops.
“I wouldn’t start anything new,” she says. “This is what I love and enjoy doing—selling food.”
Linda sells from a modest stand outside Market Square Mall, just opposite KFC. It’s more than a food stall—it’s a landmark. Her children help her during weekends and school holidays, and during the week, she’s mobile, walking through town with her goods and greeting familiar faces. “I leave the stand with my co-workers, and I go around selling. Even when it’s not mealie season, I keep selling.”
During the National Arts Festival, Linda steps it up. She once rented a container to sell meals at the taxi rank, with future dreams of doing more food plate sales. “People encouraged me to stay there and have a container full-time. But all in good time.”
A Community Staple
Linda isn’t just a vendor—she’s a storyteller, a tradition bearer, a source of comfort. When locals hear her call, they don’t just come for the food—they come for the connection. Her stall is where people gather, greet each other, and share the small joys of everyday life. “I want to thank the Makhanda family for trusting and supporting me,” she says. “Makwande!”
So, Next Time You Hear Her…
If you’re lucky enough to be in Makhanda when that unmistakable call echoes down the street—“Umbhona oshushu!”—pause. Follow the sound. Treat yourself to a warm mealie or a freshly made roosterkoek. You’re not just supporting a small business—you’re honouring the voice, heart, and flavour of a woman who turned a setback into a calling.
Find Linda:
Market Square Mall, opposite KFC, or catch her on the move with her signature roosterkoeks and warm smile.
Remember the call: “Umbhona! Umbhona oshushu!” It’s more than a sound—it’s a part of Makhanda’s soul.
