26 May 2014

Youth in some quarters are generally perceived to be careless about their destiny, especially due to idleness while some of them prefer migrating to urban places to search for employment.



But that is not the case with 25-year-old Lingani Mbaiwa who hails from Tutume and already runs her own business.

“In this era, where issues of unemployment prove to be a challenge amongst the youth, I have realized that self-employment is the only way forward and hence the desire to start up my business dubbed Tenje Dress Maker,” she said. 



She said she started showing interest in dress-making while at junior secondary school during her home economics lessons. 



“With my heart in the textile industry, I always played around with cloth and always came up with something good and that drove me to develop more interest into the dress making business,” she said.



The youngster said although her age mates did not take her seriously, she was sure that dressmaking was her destination and nothing would stop her from achieving her goal.



Upon completion of her Junior Certificate in 2005, she enrolled at Kgatleng Development Trust in 2007 for a two year dress making course. 


She said after training she did not waste time as she applied for a Youth Development Fund (YDF) and was approved in October last year to start up her business.



“I was given funds, which amounted to P84 000 and I have used those funds to buy equipment, which include hemming, over lock, embroidery machines, cutting table, industrial ironing board and other materials,” Ms Mbaiwa said. 



She noted that after the approval of funds, she was sponsored by the Department of Youth for a two weeks course in Business Management, which is a necessity in the business industry as it helps her manage her resources well.



The budding young business woman has been operating her business in a rented house in Nata since January this year. 

She said she does not have regrets because her business is doing well and she can afford to pay all her bills.



“I have decided to move to Nata because I have a lucrative market here, I have won tenders to supply Nata Senior Secondary School and Nata Primary school with school uniform,” she said.

Her other customers are individuals from Nata and other surrounding areas.

Meanwhile Ms Mbaiwa has complained about the attitude of some Batswana towards amateurs in the business industry. 



“Being young and new in the industry does not mean I cannot do a perfect job. I am very confident of my capabilities.” She noted.

Ms Mbaiwa said some customers have a tendency to bring in clothes for repair but do not collect them after work has been done, while others have a habit of placing an order and refuse to pay despite the agreement.



Nonetheless, Ms Mbaiwa said hard work, dedication, team spirit, respect for customer needs and customer focus helps her to survive the challenges.

Meanwhile, she applauded the government for its unending efforts geared towards improving the lives of the youth.



“Ever since I started this business, my life has changed and I now have plans to enroll for other courses that will enhance my education,” she said.



The business is not only sustaining its owner only but it has also created employment for another youth in the village.



Ms Omphile Chikudzi has been employed as a designer at Tenje Dress maker and the business has taught her to be responsible and keeps her busy.

“The payment I get at Tenje Dress Maker helps me to attend to my basic needs and I have gained experience, which will help me start up my own business,” she said. 
ENDS