03 Jul 2014

Challenges of lack of business skills and family responsibilities that he faced did not dampen the spirit of starting his own business, but triggered the entrepreneurial spirit in him as he continued following his dream.

Mr Mokolobetsi Lesoletsile, 31, from Gumare quit his job as a groundsman at the agricultural office in Gumare to turn his dream into a reality. He is now the managing director of Gumare Glazing Company, following funding under the Youth Development Fund (YDF).

Mr Lesoletsile completed his form three in 2000 and was faced with the challenge of taking care of his three children and parents. This challenge was further compounded by the fact that he came from a poor family.

“I was not earning enough at all and on top of that I had to take care of my children and parents”, he said in an interview recently.

He first started attending YDF workshops after quitting his job and this further developed his interest of starting own business. All this, he noted, happened this year in April when he went to collect forms from Department of Youth and Culture in Gumare.

He said as a mere form five leaver without any business skills to qualify him for funding under YDF, did not discourage him as he was driven by passion.

After submitting his business proposal of a glazing company, Mr Lesoletsile said it was rejected because he did not have enough skills to run the business and did not conduct any market research. 
“I did not back down because I really wanted to change my life and I was really dedicated, hence I soldiered on,” he highlighted.

Mr Lesoletsile said following the rejection, he strategised and went to Maun PG Glass to learn how to fit windscreens and after completing his course he went back to the YDF offices to seek financial assistance.

With the experience he possessed, he re-applied and his proposal was accepted and was funded to the tune of P100 000 within a month.

His project, he said, has now employed three youths and he intends increasing staff as business grows.

Consequently, he said that he managed to purchase all his machineries and the business is fully operational and doing well despite competition from other established businesses.

Like any other business, he cited some challenges facing his company such as the small Gumare population and lack of operating premises.

Mr Lesoletsile encouraged the youth to take advantage of opportunities availed by the government to improve their livelihoods and develop their communities.

Government, he noted, has opened the doors for the youth and they should do their part by seeking information about youth empowerment programs.

He also encouraged them to choose businesses that they are familiar with so that they can be able to deal with challenges. Ends