24 Sep 2015

Since the inception of various government initiatives which are geared towards eradicating abject poverty and empowering young people, the initiatives have yielded positive results as many  young Batswana have adopted some of the initiatives to better their livelihoods.  

What began as a hobby for Mr Kealeboga Moshapa turned into a business that transformed the lives of many, including himself, his family and community. 

For Mr Moshapa it all began at the age of 19 in 2012 when he was finishing school and desired to find a job that will keep him busy while awaiting his results. After a thorough introspection of his strengths and weaknesses, he started a brick moulding project with the guidance of his father who also had interests in brick moulding. 

With the little money that he had raised with his family, they managed to buy materials for him to start the project which was operating from their homestead. 

His dream became a reality and he was now able to make a profit of P1 500 a month. With the profits he got from his business, he said he financed himself and saved for the future, as he realised that brick making was a lucrative business for him. 

After seeing the potential of the business, in January 2013 he registered his own company which is now operating as Corede Bricks (Pty) Ltd in Gakgatla. 

He said his company makes bricks in sizes of 4 ½, 6 inches, stock bricks and sometimes at the request of the client they could also make house pillars. From 2013, Mr Moshapa said he never looked back even though he was faced with numerous challenges such as shortage of water. 

As the director of Corede Bricks, Mr  Moshapa emphasised that one has to stand firm and believe in their dreams amidst challenges and turn every bad experience into a learning curve as experience is the best teacher.

“It was not easy as I had to either buy water or get a donkey cart to fetch water as far as Molepolole,” he said. The soft-spoken Mr Moshapa noted that he does not have formal training nor has he ever attended a brick moulding course. 

He said brick moulding for him is a gift from God, and that he would forever be grateful to his parents who taught him some aspects of brick moulding. Mr Moshapa said he mainly relied on donkey carts to deliver customer’s orders, and to buy materials needed for the business. 

Due to the growing demand of bricks in Gakgatla and surrounding areas, it became difficult for him as he had transport problems and needed specialised machines to make the work more effective and efficient. 

Mr Moshapa said upon realising this, he approached the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture (MYSC) for funding. He said after an assessment of his business and the proposal, he was funded in 2014 with P100 000 under the Youth Development Fund. 

He credits the MYSC for assisting him to develop his business and that of other youths around the country. He was able to purchase quality machines and a truck at the value of P64 000.

 “I also managed to buy a truck, new machines and furbished some of them as we get orders from many places even in Gamodubu, but our biggest clients are in Molepolole,” added Mr Moshapa, Not only was his project approved, but he also had an opportunity to attend some of the workshops organised by the MYSC where he learnt more about entrepreneurship, marketing, book keeping and business management. 

He said this has helped him to know more about business and most how to sustain his business. 

At only 22 years, Mr Moshapa said in a good month he makes profits amounting to P60 000, something he never thought could happen. 

With the company, it has managed to make a difference in the lives of young people as it has employed four young people who are all from Gakgatla. 

The manager of Corede Bricks, Mr Simon Ngwanawamotho said gaining employment has made a positive difference in his life as it sustains him and his family. Mr Ngwanawamotho also said being employed at Corede Bricks helps him to refrain from criminal activities. 

Not only is Mr  Moshapa one of the youngest successful people, but describes himself as a man of value who lives a dignified life of no drugs and alcohol and refrains from any activity that could jeopardize his vision and his business. 

Mr Moshapa also noted that young people should not be afraid of failure, but should be filled with the desire and passion for success. 

He said many projects done by the youth end up closed because young people tend to run out of patience especially when the business is not doing well. 

He said running a business was not for the fainthearted as one should be patient, and should be a businessman or woman by heart and not only by profession. 

“It is not easy running a business like this as sometimes it could take longer to have customers, but one of the things that drives me is the love and passion that I have in brick moulding. I do not give up no matter what,” he emphasised. He said even though he did not perform to his level best on his school leaving examinations, it did not deter him to achieve his dreams. 

With the money he saves every month, Mr Moshapa said he desires to enroll with a local tertiary school for formal training either on brick moulding or construction. 

He said young people should learn to never give up on their dreams and desires in life.  

As for the proceeds of the business, Mr Moshapa highlighted that money should not be spent on luxurious things such as cars, luxurious trips and many other activities which could drain the business.  He said money should be saved in the bank and not at home under mattresses. 

He also noted that for any business to be successful it needs to be advertised. He said their main forms of advertising includes word of mouth, distribution of business cards and billboards. 

Quizzed on why he is reluctant to take advantage of the Internet which encompasses social media networks to market his business, Moshapa said he was currently receiving training on how to use social networks. He said he was confident that this will boast his business and move it to even greater heights. 

“Young people in Botswana are full of great ideas, they should stop talking and begin to implement their ideas as the government has put up great initiatives that when utilised could bear fruit,” he said. Ends