07 Oct 2015

Ms Oarabile Keikutlwetse has never thought that through selling fat cakes and tripe in a small tuckshop in Tlokweng would lead her to her dream business. 

Ms Keikutlwetse (30) started selling the delicacies in 2004 when she was only 19 years old. She is however quick to highlight that it was not easy but due to the love she had for her job it kept her going.  Due to her hard work, in 2005 she was identified by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture officials and encouraged her to apply for funding. 

She said she received funding from the ministry for P20 000 which she used to expand her business as she bought a tent and 100 chairs. She said that greatly boosted her business but the business faced closure in 2008 due to family challenges. 

Due to her resilient spirit and love for business she highlighted that the Poverty Eradication Programme came to her rescue in 2013 as she received 10 three legged pots from the scheme. 

She said she used the pots to cook and sell food while she rented some of them. 

She points that with the money she made she managed to save and start a catering business known as Dual Catering which she says is doing well. 

Armed with a diploma in hospitality from the University of Pretoria, she said this has helped her in managing her business. 

She said in addition, she is an artist and some of her work is being displayed at the National Museum in Gaborone. 

She said she uses her talent as an artist to create decorations for her business which sets it apart from the rest with unique and creative decorations.  Now with a registered company, Dual Catering in Mogoditshane she is able to provide for her family. 

Like any other business person, Ms Keikutlwetse said she is faced with challenges especially transport and this at times limits her especially if her clients are outside Gaborone and surrounding areas where she currently operates. But she said she is hopeful that with the money she makes, her business will continue to soar. 

Through her business she said she has employed four young people.   Ms Keikutlwetse added that her business offers services which include crockery, food catering, events management, catering and equipment hire. 

She said individuals and corporate companies are her main clients. She also described herself as a servant behind every successful event, something that she said kept on bringing clients as her hands attest to it.  

She was quick to highlight that for one to succeed in business they have to ensure they do all they can to get it out to the public. 

Ms Keikutlwetse said she advertises her catering business through social networks such as WhatsApp but she said the most effective one is displaying her work along Mogoditshane road. 

She said at times for one to succeed they have to make drastic sacrifices and she said during her early days into the business instead of buying a drink she would buy a wine glass or a table spoon for her business. Ends