28 Jan 2016

Mr Ookeditse Senyatseng (26) of Ratholo has established a successful architectural practice thanks to the Youth Development Fund (YDF).

The S.O.S Architects chief executive officer started his journey in 2009 when he enrolled at New Era College after reading for an Advanced Diploma in construction. 

As part of his final year, he worked for Zhong Construction in 2013 as a site surveyor. 

Upon graduating from the college, he received three months training in civil works, steel fixing and shuttering from Steffanuti Stocks. Mr Senyatseng then worked at Shashe Brigade as a lecturer March to August 2014.

 It was here that he decided to open a construction company.  He applied for the Youth Development Fund.  His application was approved and he quit his job.

He set up shop in Tonota. Four months later he relocated to Francistown where most of his clientele was based. The city grew his client base. He implemented his marketing strategy, which involved using sign boards and flyers. 

He hired a draftsman and a receptionist.  “As work started piling up, I cut my sleeping hours to absorb the pressure,” he said. He has designed warehouses, day care centres and residential plans, which allowed him to employ three more graduates.

However, the Architects Registration Board cast a shadow over his fortunes.  He complained that the new law favoured well established construction companies because it required individuals to have two to three years’ experience before one could run own firm.

When not in office, he spends most of his time at the Zionist Christian Church, where he builds character. He enjoys listening to house music and playing pool.  His mentor is Mr Muyapo Machola of Cal de Sac Construction.

The young man intends to finish paying his loan by the end of the year with the hope that the newly introduced Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) would boost his business. 

He wants to expand the business by adding a construction machinery hire subsidiary. “Business is doing well, and I intend to maintain the same standard of living to give it a chance of growth,” he says.

Mr Senyatseng advises fellow beneficiaries to pay back the YDF loan to give others a chance to benefit from the facility. Ends