08 Jul 2015

Quite often people do not recognise and appreciate nature, rather they take it for granted. However, that is not the case with Mr Kgosietsile Mophalane 25, who has not only embraced the beauty of nature but is actually making a living out of it through interior decor designing.

Speaking in a recent interview with BOPA, this youngster who currently resides in Area W noted that arts and culture has always been his passion right from primary school.  He said at Primary school he received a certificate from the Ministry of Tourism which recognised his work of art. 

At Setlalekgosi Junior School he was also awarded the best student in art and received yet another Regional Best Contestant in art at Lobatse Senior Secondary. Realising how talented he was, upon completion of Form 5, he started a business named Afro-Interior Design where he uses the natural material found in the environment. 

He said that the products he designs are made from reeds, palm and jacaranda trees to mention but a few. The abundance of these natural resources are what also provoked him to start such a business.  He designs products such as canoes and vases for decoration that come in different sizes.  He mentioned that although the business does relatively well, he is faced with some challenges that sometimes overwhelm him.

“My major problem is that Batswana have not fully embraced the beauty of nature and products created from natural resources.  Not only that, they also underestimate masterpieces sold in the streets and would rather opt for buying from shops which are well ventilated and seem professional,” he explained.

He added that the support he gets from Batswana in general is not satisfactory and the lack of funds to invest in his business to buy the necessary equipment such as drills, chain saw and paint continues to be a setback. He complained that clients always demand discount when buying items which is worrisome and emphasised that nothing good comes cheap. 

Despite the fact that he has failed to request for financial assistance from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, he has stopped at nothing to make ends meet in order to be where he is today. To overcome these challenges, he has adapted to make do with what he has and he tries by all means to make his products more appealing and neat in order to attract more customers.

As a marketing strategy, he not only displays his products along the streets, but also offers discount for people who buy in bulk.In future, Mr Mophalane intends to have an office of operation as he believes that will contribute to the growth of his business and wants to employ other youth so that they have something to look forward to everyday. 

He also hopes to be successful enough to supply retail shops such as Game Stores and Sheet Street.  Mr Mophalane encouraged the youth to never stop dreaming because dreams give one a purpose in life. ENDS