20 Oct 2015

Although unemployment among the youth remains a concern for the country, some young people continue to embrace government schemes to venture into business in efforts to create jobs for themselves and their peers.  

A 30-year-old resident of Francistown, Mr Galane Moalosi says he took advantage of the Youth Development Fund offered by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture to start his business.

The founder of Moalosi Panel Beaters, Mr Moalosi says he resigned after working eight years for the Botswana Defence Force to start a vehicle repairing business. 

“I learnt most of what we do here at BDF. We specialise in panel beating and spray-painting, although we also do welding, chassis straightening, glazing, polishing and buffing. 

Realising that I had become exceptional at what I do after years of training and work at BDF, I was confident that I could start a business and make a living out of this trade, so I decided to resign,” said Mr Moalosi.

In an interview recently, Mr Moalosi demonstrated what an ordinary day at the workshop was like; rehabilitating dented and worn out vehicles. 

Mr Moalosi says his customers range from individuals from within and outside Francistown to corporates.

Shedding some light on business trends, Mr Moalosi said it gets busy towards holidays and afterwards as vehicle owners would either be preparing for travel or bringing vehicles that need service after long travel or repair for those that might have been unfortunate to be involved in accidents.

The Topisi-born Mr Moalosi says  he enlisted with Botswana Defence Force a year after completion of his Form Five, where he was appointed to do vehicle maintenance, unaware that the job would some years later shape up into a line of business for him.

The skills he gained from his former job are what he now utilises to make a living.

 “When I was ready with my business proposal post resignation, I approached the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture for funding. 

My proposal fulfilled all their requirements and I received financial assistance and began operation early this year.” Mr Moalosi now operates his business, Moalosi Panel Beaters at Aerodrome industrial area along the Maun road in Francistown.

Citing one of the major challenges his industry faces, Mr Moalosi says competition from unlawful backyard garages affects pricing as such garages were unregulated. 

However, he is confident to withstand competition and advance in business despite challenges.

Besides training at work and through the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Mr Moalosi says he is thankful for benchmarking opportunities granted by companies in the same business, citing the likes of Overland Panel Beaters and Spray Painters, also situated in Francistown. 

 “I went through the hands of people like Mr Lebone Maaloso of Overland Panel Beaters and Spray painters; it gave me a feel of what business could be like and inspired me to go on with my mission.”

Mr Moalosi explains that willingness to learn and be guided is paramount if anybody wants to try out a business idea, encouraging fellow youth to make hay while the sun shines as the opportunities given by government might not be available in the future. Ends