24 Aug 2015

In general, people are reluctant to start up businesses in villages due to factors such as limited market prospects. 

Amid adversity, Ms Galebatwe Gakesekwe (57), Ms Lorato Lebengu (52), Mr Goitsemang Segomotso (53), Ms Kefentse Puoeng and Ms Gofentsemang Puoeng, both aged 41, are running a profitable candle manufacturing project right in rural Nswazwi.

Called GGOKG Candle Manufacturers, the fully citizen owned project is a success story that proves that even in villages a business can flourish.The company operates from a rented space in Nswazwi along the main road that leads to Tutume thus giving it a strategic position for potential customers.

The project produces candles that come in different sizes, colours, shapes and fragrances. The project manager, Ms Gakesekwe revealed in an interview that the business was doing satisfactorily and continues to gain momentum despite it being relatively new.

“We started operating in March and so far we have managed to penetrate the market up to Francistown, Serowe and Tsabong, where we supply a number of pharmacies with our candles,” she said. She also said they also supply one of the wholesalers in Sebina and some individuals locally continue to give them some support.

She said they were prompted to start the business because they wanted to embark on something that requires the use of hands. Furthermore, Ms Gasegakwe said the entire group kept discussing several business ideas until they settled for the candle manufacturing one.

“We have worked hard for the success of this project, as we started it from scratch and kept trying strategies that finally made it viable,” she said. Staunch members of New Nazareth Church, the business partners said due to financial constraints, they consulted the Department of Gender Affairs in Francistown and they were duly assisted.

In March they got P182 000 funding from the government which they used to purchase a candle moulding machine, a two burner industrial gas stove, wax, different dyes and fragrances. “That is how we managed to get our business off the ground,” she said, adding that all of the group members have not received any formal training in relation to their project.

However, they benchmarked from a similar project at Masingwaneng and the advice from their customers also keeps them going.

For his part, Mr Segomotso, a member of the group, said although he was the only male counterpart in the group, he does not feel challenged as there was always respect, commitment, trust and communication from other members.

He also explained that the business was relatively easy to conduct as they start off melting some wax through the use of the stove.Later they pour the melted wax into the candle moulding machine and other containers so as to come up with a variety of products.

He said to add colour and fragrance, after melting the wax they immediately add the desired colour and fragrance before pouring the mixture into the containers. Mr Segomotso said their day starts at 8am and finishes at 5pm, and that, because of overwhelming orders, they were sometimes forced to work until late hours.

Ms Puoeng, yet another member, added that being part of the group was handy for her and with the dividends she receives she was able to meet her personal needs. She advised that as there were a lot of opportunities availed, it was ideal for Batswana to try their luck. 

Ms Puoeng also said the geographical location of a business should not discourage people, however, the commitment towards the project was one of the essentials that would make it flourish and bring in the desired the results. Ends