13 Apr 2016

With the unemployment rate increasing day by day, some youngsters opt for self-employment. Mr Modiakgotla Ramotshegwa popularly known as Marco is one youth who owns and runs a tyre service business.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Ramotshegwa, who never went through formal education, said his business came into existence through personal savings he got from Taj Fitment Centre, a spare parts shop he worked for in Molepolole.

The young man said he worked at Taj Fitment Centre in 2009 for two years where he was exposed to the techniques of tyre changing and wheel balancing before establishing his business in 2011.  

“After gaining experience at the tyre service I decided to part ways with the shop to start my own business,” he said.

Through his savings he was able to buy the necessary equipment such as air compressor, wheel balancer, tyre changer among others.

The young entrepreneur said his business offers services such as patching of tyres, wheel balancing and also sells second hand tyres and tubes. He said his clientele are mostly individuals and public transport operators within the village.

His business which started in 2013 is doing well despite the challenges. He cited stiff competition from well-established garages and lack of funds to improve his workshop as some of the impediments to the growth of his business, but is confident that the future holds more and the sky is the limit.

“My wish now is to open a full-service business that deals with tyres where I can offer other services such as wheel alignment of all vehicles and selling tyres and other accessories” he said.  

The 30-year-old attributes the success of his business to good customer service.

“Giving attention to your customers and providing them with quality service is the best way of making your business flourish,” he said. ENDS