10 Jun 2015

After he was retrenched by a mining company in 2005, Mr Winane Lekgoba, 37, worked as a garden boy in Francistown.

Living from hand to mouth, the young man from Selolwane ward in Tutume realised that his life was slowly sinking forcing him to think quick and fast to reverse the situation.

Mr Lekgoba then opted for a haircutting business that he aptly named Baba Moricho 5 Haircut and Rest Place tucked in between the Francistown-Gaborone railway line and Nzano Mall in Francistown.

This business is not only where clients get to shave their heads or do their hair into one of the trending haircuts, but it also serves as a place for relaxation.

In an interview recently, Mr Lekgoba said he had occupied the place since 2008, and that his aim was to develop it by growing more plants and flowers to appeal to his customers during haircut visits.

The creative man then designed and created a beautiful garden and decorated it with plants and flowers that would attract his customers. He added that he was the first person to open a barber shop in the Tutume mall area, adding that his haircutting skills were in demand.

The barber however said, like in any business, there were challenges encountered and in his case, some unscrupulous individuals burnt his place of operation and cut the trees and flowers in his special garden.

Furthermore, he explained that the place was not initially easy to utilize because the area was used as a hiding place by criminals after snatching ladies’ handbags and purses.

Mr Lekgoba noted that he used to stay for three days without a single customer and sometimes fear engulfed him by merely being at the place, but he remained hopeful.

Today, the place has attracted the attention of many and it has now turned into a resting place during the lunch hour and in the evening.

Furthermore, he said he received compliments each day from his customers and passers-by about the scenic garden and area of operation, adding that some even donated plants and benches to add to what he has.

He stated that the business has been a success as he has managed to build himself a house and he is able to look after his family. Ends