13 Feb 2015

While many young people complain about lack of job opportunities in the country, a young entrepreneur in Aerodrome, Francistown has decided not to be idle.

Mr Otsetswe Marobela (26) decided to make ends meet by specialising in upholstery and operating along the Francistown-Maun road.

In an interview recently, the young entrepreneur who specialises in repairing car ceilings, seats, floor covers and lounge seats said he started his business last year in November after being assisted through government’s flagship Poverty Eradication Programme.

His application, he noted, was approved last year in August after an assessment was conducted and later approved in September. He mentioned that the business is not doing badly as in a good month he manages to make up to P1200.00. This, he highlighted, was better than staying at home doing nothing.

When, he started, Marobela explained that government provided him with materials to start up his business venture.

Consequently, he asserted that with the skills that he had acquired from a workshop that was organised by the Francistown City Council to provide technical and managerial skills in upholstery in 2006 and the passion he has for the job, he has managed to reap rewards.

In addition, the youthful entrepreneur noted that because his business is still small and in the start-up phase, he has not registered a company but hopes to do so in the near future. He also mentioned that his main customers are public transporters who use the Francistown- Maun road.

Marobela also added that he gets most of his materials from Master Trading Company in Francistown.

Through his excellent service at his workshop, he mentioned that he is able to bring a smile to his customers who are satisfied with his service. 

The young entrepreneur also highlighted that in the near future, he hopes to open a workshop where he will be able to manufacture his own products, instead of repairing other people’s designs. In future, he noted that he hopes to get more machines in order for him upgrade his workshop. ENDS