28 Oct 2014

He thought he made a wrong decision by quitting his job to start his own business, but perseverance and determination worked wonders for him. 

The 39-year-old Mr Simisani Gwaloba from Zwenshambe left WAHO Educational in 2002, a company that specialises in screen printing to start his own company.  In an interview, Mr Gwaloba said, “I worked for WAHO Educational from 1998 to 2002 as a driver.”

He said, as a driver, he used to collect screen printing materials from South Africa to Botswana for his employer and it was then that he developed interest into screen printing. In 2003, upon quitting WAHO, he ventured into the business and registered his own company VOVO T-shirt Printing.

He stated that he did not go to school to learn the art of screen printing but read books and imparted his artistic talents to create exquisite designs amongst the logos, emblems printed words on t-shirts and signages.

Mr Gwaloba who has employed his 19-year-old nephew stressed that he wanted to empower other youth by sharing his talents in order for them to be self-employed. 

He also said that screen printing stands a chance in the local and international market because it is relatively new and one can always be innovative on his or her design.

Furthermore, Mr Gwaloba said that besides his screen printing business, he is a music producer, a graphic designer and the founder of Street Gang, a Francistown based Kwaito group.

He said the youth businesses fail due to mismanagement of funds, stressing that for businesses to be successful, one should be patient and use his or her profits wisely.

However, an employee and a nephew to Gwaloba, Mr Thuso Gwaloba said he worked for his uncle since last year, stressing that although he did screen printing at junior school, he was urged by his uncle to pursue art. 

He said that the youth should focus on their talents to earn a living rather than engage in drugs and alcohol abuse. ENDS