29 Jun 2015

Failure is not when one hits an obstacle that frustrates their effort. It only registers when one gives up immediately.

Although he did not do well in form five in 2000, Tsheko Lekgoa did not fall into despair. Growing up in an area rich with natural resources in  Gunitsoga village in the Okavango has always inspired him to do business within the tourism sector.

After realising that his form five certificate could not lend him college placement, Lekgoa undertook a Small Scales Business Management course through Botswana College of Distance and Open Learning (BOCODOL).

It was through such acquisition of business management and knowledge of natural resources and tourism from his background of a village with a Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) that inspired his tourism related business.

His business, Leisure & Travelling Agency, started operation in 2013 handling bookings for tourists who visit Botswana.  

Lekgoa says he realised that tourists make bookings in South Africa to visit places in Botswana such as the Okavango Delta, which therefore positions his agency to provide such services from Maun.

He set up the business with the little resources at disposal, thus one computer but had to contend with a few limitations here and there.

However, he says in 2014, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture came to his rescue with a P65 000 funding under the Youth Development Fund (YDF).

He says he acquired office equipment and developed a website to market his business. He also took advantage of social media such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
For the 35-year-old Lekgoa, to venture into business requires passion and hard work.

He encourages other young people to enrol for courses related to their businesses. Lekgoa also encourages youth to utilise government  assistance programmes such as the YDF.

“Government has stretched out its arm and all that the youth needs are skills and passion for business,” he says. Meanwhile, Lekgoa urges the youth to use funds wisely.

“Have a plan for what you need the money for, use it wisely and avoid purchasing unnecessary things.” He cautions that the tourism sector has challenges such as disease outbreaks which affect the market.

Of late, he says the Ebola outbreak resulted in cancellation of their bookings since tourists felt Africa was not a safe place to visit.

Lekgoa also pleads with government to consider tourism companies in planning and management of tourism events which he believes will add value to their businesses. Ends