21 Nov 2014

A young man who has been in and out of prison for robbery has realised that crime does not pay and has now given his life to God and also ventured into business. 

Maiteko Ramatlhaosa, aged 27 years was imprisoned in 2009 for robbery and only came out in 2011.  He said while out, he was touched by the death of his friend in prison in 2012, and he realised that he was not living an acceptable life, hence the need to change. 

He said he decided “to give my life to Christ” as he used to attend church and rehabilitation programmes at prison. He also formed a society called Crime Prevention Society aimed at helping and preventing young people from joining criminal activities.

Ramatlhaosa completed his Junior Certificate in 2003 with a grade C and did not proceed to do Botswana General Certificate Secondary Education. He went to study Building and Construction at Takatokwane Brigade Center. 

“My father’s goats were the only thing that put bread on the table for our family.  He got assistance from Financial Assistance Policy in 1999,” he said.  In an interview, he said he always helped his father in a furniture manufacturing business which his father started after his goats perished. 

Ramatlhaosa said one day he paid a visit to the Department of Youth to seek funding after people informed him that he could get help to start his own business.  During 2013/2014 financial year, Ramatlaosa’s newly furniture manufacturing business in Letlhakeng was funded by Department of Youth. 

He described his business as new in Letlhakeng and still looking for tenders. It is situated along Letlhakeng/Kang main road and offers carpentry and joinery services and targets the business owners and community at large by supplying them with quality furniture. 

The Mighty Furniture manufacturing business also produces and repairs tables, chairs, office furniture, wardrobes and coffins amongst others.  He said his customers come as far as Kaudwane and Diphuduhudu. 

He charges P1 500 for wardrobes and P600 for a chest of drawer. “My customers do not have a problem with my prices and view them as reasonable,” he said.  Ramatlhaosa said his aim is to produce quality products and create employment for other youths, adding that he has employed three young men. 

“I wish my business can be listed as one of the leading woodwork shops in Botswana and become one of the centres of attraction in woodwork products,” he added. ENDS