26 Jan 2015

It was love and dedication for repairing appliances, which drove the Mahalapye-born lad to enroll for a Certificate in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning at Kanye Brigade in 2007.

Mr Kabo Otsetswe said in an interview that after successfully completing the one-year course, he worked for several companies in Gaborone, which included Salsem Refrigeration Investment and Cooling Solutions. 

After working in the city for some years, the 28-year- old came back to Mahalapye to start small stock farming. This, however, did not stop him from pursuing his first love as he also continued repairing and installing air conditioners and fridges on part time basis.

After bad luck befell him when his sheep and goats were stolen, Mr Otsetswe said he turned his full attention to something that he loved most, repairing appliances and installing air-conditioners. 

“I approached Mahalapye Youth Office to seek funding through Youth DevelopmInent Fund  in 2011 and the following year I was funded with P76 000.With the money, I purchased equipment such as gas cylinders, personal computer-for record keeping, grinding machine, welding machine, drilling machine, brazing bottles among others,” he said.

The funding he got enabled him do his work perfectly without any delay. He said since he had a reliable mode of transport, he was able travel to clients quicker for repairs or installations.

His company, Classic Refrigeration Investment, he says specialises in installation, maintenance, re-gassing and repairing refrigerators and air conditioners.  So far his company has created jobs for three other young people and he has standby employees who step in when business is at its peak.

His love for repairing, he says, has broadened the number of appliances his company repairs to include cold rooms, car air conditioners, microwaves, washing machines and electric stoves.

Mr Otsetswe says in initially it was tough for him to get clients as he was unknown but as time passed by he was marketed by the good job that he does and his clients started recommending him to their friends.

“My clients are individuals, shops, mortuaries and hotels in Mahalapye but I am willing to travel anywhere in Botswana to offer my services,” he said.

Mr Otsetswe says he faces competition from the already existing companies which started their trade before his was established. 

But to beat competition he says he has come up with a number of incentives such discounts to customers who give him more work.

His life, he says , has changed for the better because through the money he makes from his business he takes care of his family and child and he is in the process of extending his house.

The biggest challenge facing his business is that the business is seasonal, in summer business is booming and in winter or rainy seasons business is scarce. 

His future plan he says is to see the business grow and expand into electricity and plumbing sectors in order to employ more youth and impart skills on them so that they can make a living.

His advice to youth looking to set up their own craft businesses and seeking government funding is to choose to do what they love. 

The youth wishing to start their businesses he said must constantly ask for advice from experts and go for academic training on their chosen field as he has done. ENDS