02 Nov 2016

At first, nothing seemed to be moving his way, yet he was determined to have his way even when nothing seemed promising.

Not only was he an orphan, but her tried twice to seat for Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) without any success, as each outcome was never good enough to position him to further his education.

Dejected, forlorn and often times confused, when an opportunity presented itself under the poverty eradication programme, Mr Emmanuel Mhaladi was determined to salvage dwindling pride.

Today, Diamond Leather, a business he founded after encountering the poverty eradication programme gives him a hope and reason to survive and to look forward to a better tomorrow.

Once beaten twice shy, Mr Mhaladi knows that the pain of the past was only a learning curve to take him to a new dream.

Even up to today, the memories of how he encountered the poverty eradication programme, which changed his life story, are still vivid to his mind.

About four years ago during a fateful summer day, Mr Mhaladi walked to the ministry of agriculture offices in Ramotswa to inquire about smallstock programmes available.

In his mind back then, only smallstock rearing would help him to beat the trap of poverty which was hovering over his head.

As he waited for his turn to be called into the office, his inquisitive nature invited him to look around noticeboards and that paid dividends.

Among pasted notes, were the one inviting community members with interest in leather works to register for a fully paid six weeks leather course work.  

As he admirably gazed it, Mr Mhaladi developed instant interest in the programme and decided to sacrifice his initial dream of smallstock.

“ I just developed the love for leather work from there, just instantly,” added 27 years old Ramotswa born youth.

Luckily he enrolled for the programme and was introduced to a six weeks leather work programme which was followed by another six week course on tanning.

From the training, which was in 2012 Mr Mhaladi waited for any Good Samaritan to finance his newly found dream.

Time passed by and nothing came forth until he registered for the poverty eradication programme and was ultimately financed to the tune of P15 000 to kick start Diamond Leather 2015.

“Although it was taking long, I had to be patient and follow them until they financed me,” Mr Mhaladi added.

Unfortunately, due to the limited financial assistance under the programme, Mr Mhaladi could not buy machinery but only tools, glues, leather and other materials to start his business.

Already in less than a year in business, he has made ample samples of belts, bags, wallets, shoes, cards holders and key holders which form part of the consignment he sells.

Regularly, he is an attendant of the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) monthly market day in Ramotswa,  where he market his products.

His belts made of leather ranges from P100 to P160 while leather bags range from P390 to P450.

Although the business is still at an infancy stage, Mr Mhaladi has been able to sustain himself and look up to a better tomorrow.

“In a month I can make money enough to support myself, I can sustain myself,” stressed Mr Mhaladi, adding that his customers are individuals.

Hence he believes that initiatives such as market days are able to expose his business to new and prospective customers.

As his business unfolds day by day, Mr Mhaladi is eager to explore funding opportunities under the Youth Development Fund (YDF) to grow his business and move out from operating from home.

While he still await opportunities to unfold he takes advantage opportunities such as the President day competitions where he attained position three this year nationally. ENDS