29 Oct 2015

More than 30 successful poverty eradication projects were displayed at Mochudi Rovers ground in Mochudi to showcase the hard work and sacrifice which the beneficiaries had gone through to make them successful.

Since the poverty eradication programme inception in 2011, many beneficiaries have proved beyond reasonable doubt their passion and commitment in the business projects which they have been given.

When sharing her success story during a mini show for poverty eradication programmes, Ms Mpho Kobang of Blessing Tent Hire said she has always been passionate about tents but due to lack of funds she could not start the business.

She said when an opportunity struck during a meeting with department of Social and Community Development she never looked back but pursued them until she was assisted.

 Ms Kobang further said after being assessed she went for training in Bokaa village and later she was given a 10m x 20m tent with 100 chairs and 12 tables in 2012.

Nevertheless, she said the tent was not complete as it does not come with drappings which many people usually like because they want the tent to be decorated nicely.

Ms Kobang said she started her work by hiring her tent for wedding celebrations and from there she never looked back.

“At times I would agree to be engaged whilst I did not have the requested materials and I had to ask from other people for assistance”.

She added that the business began to grow attesting that some couples would inquire if she was based in Gaborone.

Ms Kobang said she has hired four employees and managed to buy a tent stage and other required materials.

Like in any other business, Ms Kobang said she encounters challenges among them lack of her own carpets which she usually hires at an expensive price.

She added that lack of transport also hinders her business growth adding that at times the situation is escalated by people who take long to pay after being serviced.

Ms Kobang encouraged those who want to benefit from this programme to choose something they are passionate about more so that a business needs patience, care and love.

She thanked government for coming up with these projects because as Batswana they have been assisted to move away from poverty and live a better life.

Another beneficiary who has a successful project is Ms Diphetogo Dikole of Seitsape Bakery in Bokaa. 

The peculiarity of the name bears witness to what the business has become because that is what is driving her to be even more passionate about making bread. 

Ms Dikole said she started her business in 2010 and cooked her bread from home with fire and she was struggling to make ends meet.

She said through the assistance of the poverty eradication programme she began to see a difference especially that she was supplied with all necessary ingredients to kick-start her project.

It was all smiles as the young woman told the participants how the programme has changed her life and her children has been removed from social workers support programme as she is able to buy them what they need.

Ms Dikole said she now has her own money and is able to visit a bank something which she never dreamt of doing.

She added that challenges are always there in business but they are meant to make her even stronger.

Ms Dikole said life is good as she has been engaged several times to supply Kgatleng Full Council with her bread and has also been tendered to provide Thaakgame primary school.

She thanked Bokaa people for giving her support and according her leeway to grow her business. Ends