01 Feb 2015

 When Mr Letsweletse Willie (27) first started his sandwich business, some people dismissed him as an attention seeking youth while others criticised him for venturing into a feminine business.

“When people tried to discourage me, I plugged my ears to all the criticism and resolutely worked hard for I knew I had a goal to attain; being self-reliant and at the same time I wanted to prove to the society that males can as well excel in business areas that are regarded feminine,’’ he said.

His was a clear intention to challenge this stereotype. Mr Willie responded well to government’s clarion call for Batswana to take charge of their lives.

“Employment opportunities here in Tutume are very minimal, but being spoon fed or sitting home doing nothing never crossed my mind. I devised a plan that would keep me off the streets and help me generate my own income,’’ he said.

Mr Willie said since he was not yet financially stable, he embarked on a business that needed less start-up capital as such he started preparing some sandwiches to sell to the public.

The self-made youth entrepreneur said each sandwich was sold at P5 and so far they were selling well and he had found a lucrative market at the Tutume Rural Administration Centre.

Ras-Khannah as he is known to his customers never goes home with left-overs because he also operates on compassion and in a good day he goes home with P150.

“I have made an agreement with several people around, they get my products on credit and only pay on month-end and so far all is well,” he said.

Though his business id probably not every man’s ideal way to make ends meet, watching him pacing around the kitchen, preparing and cutting out sandwiches one cannot help it but be fascinated by the enthusiasm and passion he shows towards what he is doing.

Ras-Khannah is upfront with customer service, he wakes up daily at 5 am to prepare sandwiches.

The die-hard fun of reggae music said he is determined to work tirelessly and establish a restaurant that will meet the needs of his different customers. Mr Willie does not only depend on the income he generates from selling sandwiches. 

He is a hand on person as such he also gets extra income from other short term jobs such as breeding German Sheppard dogs and selling the puppies, repairing worn out shoes, drawing and painting some portraits.

He also runs and owns a kiosk . Mr Willie is critical of some youth who are still reluctant to come up with viable strategies which they can implement so as to earn a living. 

He further encouraged other male youth who are unemployed to be upfront in business areas that are considered feminine. He stated that with clear goals and creativity everything is possible. ends