06 May 2014

A Kasane man, who is in his early 30s, Mr Keneilwe Boitumelo, has commended the Youth Development Fund (YDF) for helping young businesses to grow.

Mr Boitumelo started as an on-and-off upholster with his skills of using padded textile canvas and foam rubber covering furniture, such as chairs, sofas and car seats. He rents a small two-room space in a porta-cabin running his company called X.CO Product.

This was the first of its type and benefits immensely from safari companies’ vehicles that used his services. He said he started his work in Maun in 2010, which was going on and off because of lack of funds to be able to keep up with the constant demand and supply of his finished products.

In the same year, he moved to Kasane and carried on doing the business until in 2013 when a friend informed him about YDF and its benefits. He applied and was shortlisted as a credible candidate who was later funded in November of 2013 to finally put his work on a commercial level.

The young businessman noted that the ability to be able to have high standard machinery, material and a working space was all possible because of the funding. Creating employment was one positive thing he felt happy about through the funding.

He was not only able to start a business but he hired an assistant that helped him in sewing and doing other field trips that included traveling to Moremi Game Reserve to fix tents and chairs.

He also had a secretary who helped him in taking care of quotations, keeping records and anything that required documentation. Mr Boitumelo also said there were always challenges in running such a business because it required an industrial working trading license and industrial work-shop.

The other challenge was that government departments such as the Botswana Defence Force, Wildlife and National Parks and Central Transport Organisation located in the Chobe area took their vehicles and other equipment that needed service to Maun where they signed contracts because they did not recognise his services.

However, Mr Boitumelo said, that Elephant Valley, Flame Africa, African Odyssey and Dreams Safaris are building up his courage by the work that they give him.

He advised the youth to do something that they are competent with to avoid disappointment and failure. ENDS