16 Sep 2015

For Mr Tiroyamodimo  Goitsemodimo, owner of Blouw Construction Pty Ltd in Tsabong, unemployment presented him with an opportunity for personal and professional development. 

The 25 year old Maralaleng native knew when he graduated that he was not assured of a job. He channeled his energies towards becoming his own boss. 

 “I believe one needs to consider entrepreneurial opportunities within fields that they enjoy or are good at,” he says. 

The father of one holds a Trade C in bricklaying and plastering, a BTEP in building construction and a diploma in construction industry from Moshupa Brigade, Gaborone Technical College and New Era College respectively. 

“I studied for five and a half years, and I have always dreamt of running my own company at some point in life,” he says. 

He lost his parents when he was doing standard five. With the support of his family and church, he grew up to be a tough and ambitious young man. Mr Goitsemodimo says ‘Blouw’ is his late grandfather's name. The old man always encouraged him to work hard for all that he wishes to have in life. 

Upon completion of his studies in December 2013, Goitsemodimo started off with architectural drawings.  “Things worked really well for me. 

I used the savings I made from architectural drawings on company registration,” he says. 

He drew up a business plan and all the necessary proposals for a construction company. 

He then applied for Youth Development Fund and was funded to the tune of P98 000 in February 2015.  

He bought equipment and rented an office. To control costs, he did not hire any staff.

 “YDF funding gave birth to Blouw Construction (Pty) Ltd. I managed to buy a generator, a compactor, concrete mixer, vibration poker and dumpy level to carry out my work as well as for hire,” he relates. 

Blouw Construction offers services such as plumbing, carpentry, bricklaying, painting, fencing, landscaping, road services, thatching, site survey and architectural drawings. 

 His main duties entails successful scheduling, budgeting, ensuring construction site safety, the environmental impact of the job and the availability of transport and logistics as well as building materials, just to name a few. 

His company started getting very busy after the 2015/2016 financial year in April. 

He boasts a wide range of clientele from individuals, companies to government. Mr Goitsemodimo won Road Auxiliary tender in June 2015 under the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, which ran for a period of three weeks.  

He is now responsible for the maintenance of clinics in Kgalagadi South District for a period of three months. Mr Goitsemodimo however decries late payments, which condemns him to repaying his loan late and incurring a 5% interest. 

His dream is to have scrappers, front loaders, caterpillars as well as full time staff in five years. He advises that dedication, passion and putting the client first has helped him climb the ladder of success.  Mr Goitsemodimo encourages the youth to use government initiatives to better their lives.  

“I believe youth are central to the development of any given nation.  The youth present an opportunity to boost economic growth, increase employment and reduce poverty,” he says. Ends