BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

In the heart of Gizo town stands Outback Living, a humble yet vibrant establishment offering accommodation, conference rooms, second-hand clothing, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop.

But behind this growing business lies a story of perseverance, hardship, and remarkable transformation.

This is the story of its founder, Moffat Maeta.

A respected leader and successful businessman today, Maeta’s life was not always defined by stability or success. In fact, it was shaped by one of the most difficult decisions of his life — standing up for what he believed was right.

“I’m a teacher by profession. Back in the early 2000s, I was among the many teachers across the country who staged a sit-in strike to demand better treatment and working conditions,” Maeta began as we sat down for a candid conversation.

His participation, however, came at a high cost.

“My involvement in the strike cost me and my family the only lifeline we trusted for our future,” he said.

Maeta was terminated from his teaching position and his wife, also a teacher, suffered the same fate.

In the weeks that followed, the Maeta family found themselves plunged into uncertainty.

“The life we once enjoyed was taken away by a piece of paper and a few words on it,” he reflected, referring to his termination letter. “I watched my family spiral downward.”

With only a modest amount of savings, Maeta turned to the streets of Gizo, selling betel nut and cigarettes to support his family.

It was a far cry from the classroom where he once taught students, and adapting to his new life was no easy task.

“At first, I was like a stranger to my new job. “It took me more than three years to fully accept this change,” he said.

But Maeta’s story didn’t end there.

One day, while walking along the western side of Gizo, he stumbled upon a swampy area — a neglected, rubbish-filled lot that doubled as an informal dumping ground and public toilet.

Where others saw waste, Maeta saw potential.

“I went to the land office and enquired,” he recalled. “I was told the area was a wasteland. With determination, I bought it.”

Cleaning up the site was no easy task. “I was greeted by piles of rubbish and even human feces but I never gave up, because I knew this would be a turning point in my life,” Maeta said.

What followed was a long and laborious rehabilitation of the land. Maeta’s original plan was to develop a cultural centre where tourists could experience the traditions of the Western Province. But when COVID-19 struck and tourism came to a halt, he had to pivot. Instead, he converted the area into a conference venue and accommodation hub.

That pivot proved to be a wise one.

Today, Outback Living Gizo is more than just a business — it’s a symbol of resilience. From its original conference room and guest lodgings, the enterprise has expanded to include a second-hand clothing outlet, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop.

“Life is much better now,” Maeta said with a smile. “My family is fighting back and we’ve managed to cope with the challenges life throws at us.”

Moffat Maeta’s journey is a powerful reminder that setbacks are not the end — they can be the beginning of something greater.

His story is one of faith, grit, and unwavering determination.

“When life knocks you down, you just have to get back up and keep going,” he said.

Indeed, Maeta’s story is not just about building a business. It’s about rebuilding a life — and doing it with courage, commitment, and heart.

He walked through darkness when life struck him down with ruthless blow. They stripped his name, they stole his pride, even love and hope took turns to hide.

Yet deep within, a flame would soon take form. He turned his losses into strength. With trembling hands, he shaped a plan, no silver spoon just grits of a man. He sowed each tear into the ground where faith in self is truly found.

He grew stronger every day with faith that no riches born from schemes or lies, but sweat and truth beneath the skies.

With a humble shop as a beacon, his path was paved by pain and fear yet he endured, and now people see.

Forged by fate, no longer lost, no longer small but stands proud and tall.

The man he was, remains the man to be.

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