Nathan Mchenga

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your role within the company?  
My name is Nathan, I'm 44 and I was born in Lusaka, Zambia. I'm also known as Uncle Nathan in the workshop, being a somewhat father figure in our Tribal team. Although I spent some time in Lusaka, I mainly resided in the Mfuwe Valley.

I have been working with Tribal since 1998! I joined the organization when I was 20 years old. 

I was initially employed as a book keeper however, the work quickly became minimal, and I would finish within 30 minutes. So I began to spend my time in the workshop, where I joined in with starching and painting, I was a member of the first group of workshop starchers.  

In my personal life – I am the youngest male of nine siblings, completing my education early and proceeded to college. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, my father could only afford to send one of his children to college. So, I opted for distance learning through Cambridge University, where I acquired advanced skills in business bookkeeping and accounts.

I attained certification as Zambia Chartered Accountants, ACC first level, and second level. I paused my studies after that, as I started a family. 

As you reflect on your career here, what legacy or impact do you hope to leave behind?
Well in life sometimes we dont have to despise small things that we do because its always from small things that bigger things will materialise.

I never thought I'd be with Tribal for the rest of my life. I took it as a small thing but I've ended up growing with tribal to where I am now.

From a mere starcher to be the accountant here is massive. I know that has all developed because of the small things I was doing were growing me to be the mature person I am now.

In life we all start from nothing and bit by bit things come to materialise.  

What are some key milestones or changes you've witnessed in the company's growth?
In the early 2000's the company was growing very fast, however, when I joined there was less than 20 people. It has been amazing to see the journey and growth of what was originally such a small company into what is now a flourishing business equipped with many members of staff. At our highest point before COVID we had 140 members staff. We were getting loads of clients, tourists, and international business. We all saw it booming.

However, we were deeply affected by the recession and the devastasting outcomes of the pandemic. With no toursits visiting Zambia and members of our team losing family members it was a really difficult period. Yet, we can proudly say we were one of the only business' during the pandemic time to give our staff pay. We were also able to stay open with very strict safety measures to provide masks to our vulnerable community in Mfuwe.

I have been so proud to see how we keep evolving and moving with the constant obstacles we face being a business run in a remote part of Zambia. 

How would you describe Tribal Textiles as a company and as a team?  

I think tribal is one of the best artistic companies, having different people with different backgrounds to be part of bigger whole. To be able to produce what they're doing with these amazing skills is incredible. To see what people can do with their hands and trained skills is really massive. Of course it is also one of the funniest places to work, it can be crazy sometimes but we're in it together. 

What is the most rewarding part of your job? 

I’ve kept my family going, I've been able to take care of dependants and even now I have my first born studying medicine so it’s a big thing. It's been a real reward for me working in general and being able to support so many people. I could take my wife to college, there has also been 4 other dependants and currently I am supporting 3 in school and 1 at university.