26 Oct 2016

Ms Middah Bolowe of  Bobonong has debunked the myth that certain business operations are a preserve for male entrepreneurs.

 She is a living proof that women can operate successfully in the sectors thought to be only male dominated.

One could easily testify that she is destined for success and that her tyre business offers top notch services as she is amongst those nominated for Women In Business Association (WIBA) awards under the male dominated category.

She said in an interview that she established the first tyre service business in Bobonong as she noticed a huge gap in the market area.

Hers was a feasible plan that brought a profound effect on the community through service provision thus relieving residents travelling costs to Selebi Phikwe and creation of employment opportunities.

Ms Bolowe’s business, Sure Grip Tyres, started to operate in 2006 with her own personal funds, and then the following year Kgalagadi Breweries Limited (KBL) funded her under the Kick Start Programme which helped boost her and develop her business.

Following many years of operation, the Youth Development Fund (YDF) programme in 2014 funded the business to promote its growth.

Sure Grip Tyres specialises in tyre sales and repairing, fitting, wheel alignment and wheel balancing and has for a decade flourished because Ms Bolowe has managed to provide for her family and pay children school fees as well as her employees.

Like any other business, there are some financial challenges and emerging competition from some recently opened similar businesses, “but mine is still here operating well,” she stated.

Ms Bolowe encouraged other women to come up with ideas that can close a gap in the market and open up their own businesses even if it was in the male dominated sector.

“As women we are courageous, strong and confident enough to prove to men that we can astoundingly work and will triumph even in the so called male dominated business sectors” she added.

She said this can be achieved only if women have tremendous self-belief. ENDS