28 Oct 2015

Dependency seems to be taking over some youngsters, however there is hope in the likes of Mr Motapele Mmamalelala who made his entrepreneurial skills known at a tender age. The 25-year old youngster founded his screen printing business in 2007 with funds realised from selling ice pops while at junior secondary school. 

While some saw him as a dangerously ambitious boy, the Bobonong youngster was not discouraged as he knew his intentions and continued to push his interests. 

He is now the owner of Lexicon Investments, a business that deals with screen printing, t-shirts printing, number plate cutting, logo design, signage and advertising.

The youthful entrepreneur was funded by Department of Youth through Youth Development Fund (YDF) programme in April 2014 to the tune of P89 000 to extend his printing business by buying fast, high-quality modern printing equipment.

He said for him to compete with other business entities, it was essential to use latest equipment to meet his customers’ needs.  

Mr Mmamalelala said since receiving the YDF support, he witnessed growth in his operations as he managed to buy additional equipment needed in his company.

“My business’s success is all about my personal efforts as I did not go far  in my studies, unlike some entrepreneurs who started their businesses based on what they have learnt at the tertiary level,” remarked Mr Mmamalelala.

He said he was also taking advantage of the latest technological marketing efforts to reach out to the masses, and said so far, social networks had been boosting his business. 

He said through the word of mouth, flyers and signage, his business had managed to attract more customers.

“I appreciate the support that I have been receiving from my customers and I have learnt that excellent service makes my customers to come back and also recommend me hence a good number of new patrons.” 

Mr Mmamalelala said despite some stumbling blocks such as securing a business plot, he was not dispirited. 

He said some business owners targeted youth entrepreneurs by renting their buildings to them at alarming prices, solely because there were few business plots where one could operate their business from.

“I am still awaiting for some printing machines that print cups, caps , t-shirts which I ordered  from United Kingdom five months  ago. I have to be patient for the machines to be delivered.”   

 He said for youth businesses to survive, they needed support from government departments and councils by offering them tenders to boost them. 

Mr Mmamalelala alleged local government departments were not keen to award youth businesses some tenders but preferred companies that came outside the village.

Mr Mmamalelala advised youth entrepreneurs to work hard and be patient if they want to succeed in their dream of becoming future business men and women. He encouraged youth to network and form partnerships to enable them share few customers that are available and also share ideas as such can help their businesses to grow. Ends