19 Mar 2015

After working in a few studios around Masunga for seven years, Mr Mothusi Morapedi decided to make use of the skills he had acquired over the years to open his business.

Speaking in an interview recently, the 24-year-old said his business, which started operating in February this year, offered a variety of services that included photocopying, video shooting of different occasions, printing and designing wedding cards, amongst others.

The young man, who hails from Sebina, said he chose to locate the business in Masunga so as to take advantage of the village’s population, which was higher than that of Sebina.

He further said he saw it necessary to venture into photography because it was his passion and although he has not started advertising the business yet, customers are already flocking to his business because he is known for producing good work.

Furthermore, he indicated that since the business is still small, he has not yet been able to employ anyone to assist him. Mr Morapedi stated that he has a challenge of shortage of machinery because he funded himself to start the business, so the money was not enough to buy all the equipment he needed.

Despite the challenges that often accompany new businesses, the ambitious young man expressed optimism that his business will grow.Still in Masunga, another young business person, Ms Moape Alfred (32), who runs a hair salon emphasised the importance of putting to use one’s talents.

She said it is crucial that young people identify and develop their talents so as to be able to use them to earn a living. According to Ms Alfred, her passion for hairdressing started at a tender age and she worked in a couple of salons for four years so that she could gain experience. Ms Alfred stated that the business started operating in December 2014 with four employees and she funded herself to start it, using the money she had been saving for the past few years.

Ms Alfred said that locating the salon at Masunga was her way of tapping into the large customer base that she had noticed existed in the village. She said she had observed that there were only a handful of salons in the village, hence her decision to open the business and locate it strategically at the village mall. The young woman further stated that with her business doing relatively well at the moment, she is hopeful that she will be able to open other branches in other places in no time.

Ms Alfred however expressed concern over the bad impact water shortages and power outages often have on her business. She said when there is no water or during load shedding, she fails to assist customers, thereby losing the opportunity to make money. ENDS