08 Jun 2016

Thirty-two-year-old Thebe Phatha of Tutume in the Central District, is the proud owner of Blazing Construction Company.

Recently the young man benefitted from the government’s Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) meant to deal with project backlog and improve people’s lives at the same, especially young people.

Mr Phatha’s project entails the construction of kgotla offices at Matobo in the Tutume Sub-district which includes four offices, a store room, a mini kitchen, water system toilets and a holding cell.

“Although I was convinced that after finishing school I would easily get a job, it never happened as I was thrown from pillar to post searching for a job,” said the young man in an interview.

Eventually he succeeded in doing piece jobs which led to him registering his own company that is today six years old in the construction industry.

He said when the ESP was introduced, he was hopeful that he would make a breakthrough; hence he visited the relevant offices for more information about the programme.

Though he could not disclose the amount of the tender, there is no doubt that Mr Phatha is content with everything.

The project kicked off last month and is expected to be completed and handed over to the client in November this year. He said he would work tirelessly to meet the deadline in order to build a reputable image.

“I will give this project the desired attention because it is the one way that will help me soar so that different authorities have trust in my company,” he assured.

He has so far engaged seven youth from Matobo who specialise in different areas of construction such as brick-laying, roofing and painting.

Twenty-one-year-old Gift Elias, one of the workers, said he was still waiting for any opportunity to advance his academic qualifications, but was happy that he has something to do in the meantime.

“I do not despise this job because it has saved me from idling,” he said, adding that when the government addresses the challenges facing the youth, it gives them hope and courage. ENDS