08 Feb 2016

Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture’s (MYSC) programmes officer in Maun, Oganeditse Mhapha, has implored youth in the Ngamiland to utilise their spare time.

In an interview, Mhapha said idle time without money exposed the youth to social ills such as inter-generational sex, sexual diseases and alcohol abuse. She therefore implored youth to utilise services offered by MYSC and Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) who offered business funding and mentorship.

She pointed out that although she was new in the Maun, she had observed that young people did not realise that art was a business.

“Youth should take art out of the box, be go getters, network and seek advice to refine their ideas and products,” she said.

Mhapha, who has a brand called Khai Creations, said her clothing line started as a hobby in 2007 which was meant to kill idle time. She said Khai Creations was initiated for the love of crafting and not profit oriented.
Khai Creations had T- shirts, bags and shoes blended with leteisi or German print.

Her hobby, she said, turned into business with time and now she planned to inspire the youth to do the same. Mhapha said Khai Creations was inspired by her her mother who was a dress maker. As it was compulsory for girls to learn sewing she automatically became her assistant.

“I also want to give something back to my country which is why I changed the theme this year to add Botswana colours to the T-shirts,” she said.
Initially she started with designing jewelery in 2003.

Mhapa encouraged the youth to search within themselves and find some of their childhood love for something and turn it to make profit.
“Everyone has untapped potential, so give it attention, love what you do and with hard work you will succeed,” she said.

Ms Mhapha observed that art producers tend to price their products unreasonably therefore making it unaffordable especially for the locals which negatively impact on their businesses. Ends