12 May 2016

The launch of the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) has brought to many Batswana dreams of a better life.

While for many this entails more developments to make the flow of life smoother, for 39-year-old Sipho Mokgethi of Malobela ward in Nlapkhwane, the programme has provided the much-needed push for him to delve into the unchartered waters of business.

“The realisation that not many companies had tendered for mechanical engineering projects under the ESP made me realise that opportunity was standing right at my door-step,” he said.

While the comfort of holding a job at the recently shutdown African Copper Mine in Dukwi had for years lulled his dreams of being in business into deep slumber, the loss of the same job in February this year became the nightmare that startled him back to reality.

His company, Chempilibili Holdings, had since inception in 2009 known no other form of existence beyond life on paper.

Now with no job to look to in order to put food on the table, Mokgethi said he saw his company as the only lifeline to bring to shore his sinking boat.

The loss of his job quickly proved to be a blessing in disguise as he took a leap of faith and decided to use his mechanical engineering knowledge and skills to survive.

“It was time to put to use the knowledge and skills I had acquired while studying for National Craft Certificate (NCC) in Welding and Fabrication at the Palapye Technical College between the years 2001 and 2005,” said the young engineer.

He was quick to highlight that just a month into business was enough to further prop up his morale to forge ahead in his endeavour of self-employment, as his knowledge, skills and experience proved handy beyond the boiler maker position that he held whilst a mine employee.

His welding business had become an instant hit, swiftly blossoming beyond the boundaries of Nlapkhwane. He specialises in a variety of goods among them; sliding gates, waste bins, burglar bars and braai stands and he said he uses various social network platforms to market his business.

Mokgethi who can be described as a visionary man noted that while still in the employ of the now-defunct mine he bought three welding machines; a move that he later realised was a worthwhile exercise.

“When I started business, my immediate task was to buy materials, which raised start-up capital to P10 000 as I had already spent P8 000 in the purchase of the welding machines,” he pointed out.

One of Chempilibili Holdings’ customers, Kemo Khona could stop singing praises of the quality of Mokgethi’s products. ENDS