18 May 2016

When government rolled out the poverty eradication programme, Mr Basimane Wamacha (82) of Tsonyane in Southern District did not want to be left out. 

As a person living with disability, Mr Wamacha never let the hurdles put him down. His disability was never an issue to what life threw at him.

 When government presented him with an opportunity to start his own business, he discovered an untapped market in his village.

Therefore, he put to good use his leather work skills, which he said he acquired from his late grandfather. 

His grandfather was known for leather blankets that he made using sheep skins. 

In 2012, through the poverty eradication programme, he was provided with a sewing machine, generator and some processed leather. 

He said the main item in his business was fresh leather, which he said he sourced from residents who slaughtered goats, sheep or cattle during ceremonies.

The whole process of processing leather, he explained, took between two weeks and a month. 

He said he used fresh leather to make blankets, jackets, trousers and skirts and the readily processed leather he churned out belts and shoes. 

Mr Wamacha said, “I mostly advertise through word of mouth hence I never shy away from taking an opportunity to advertise my business.  The good work that I do for my clients also speaks for me because a satisfied customer is the best form of advertising,” he said.

Just like in any other business, Mr Wamacha’s business had challenges that ranged from shortage of labour to shortage of leather, which people sold at high prices. Mr Wamacha urged other beneficiaries to soldier on despite challenges.

Through the programme, he said he managed to lead a decent life. ENDS