20 Nov 2016

Shortage of land is limiting Kasane aircraft builder, Mr Mogomotsi Gaebepe from growing his business.

When Mr Gaebepe purchased a helicopter recently for a scenic viewing business, he had a dream of owning an aircraft factory big enough to handle the building of bigger jets.

“My ambition to build a six seater jet is still there but there is no land where I can establish an aircraft factory, or where I can be able to train other aspiring pilots,” he said.

Though he commended government for supporting his efforts, the 37-year-old said he still wanted more assistance in terms of acquiring a permanent plot where he could settle and grow his business.

He has been operating temporarily from a state-owned plot under a two-year contract, he said, adding that he could not make any structural developments on the plot because it was not his.

He said the support he was getting from the government and Batswana was notable and clearly showed him that they appreciated what he was doing. 

He also said the market in Kasane was growing compared to the time he started considering that today, he was able to receive 20 customers at a time unlike in the past when he used to receive only four. 

Though his helicopter is noisy, there were no complaints from the community he operated within, adding that some lodges such as Mowana Safari Lodge had spillover effects as their customers also paid for joy rides in his helicopter.

“This shows support from business colleagues and this has inspired me to work with as many lodges as possible,” Mr Gaebepe said, adding that he was expanding his business by offering a variety of services such as flights, transfers, photography, animal capturing, building and training. 

 “I have managed to get a certified standard aircraft which I am using for business, a pilot licence and now I am specialising in helicopters and also qualified in engineering, all thanks to the government of Botswana,” he said.

 Mr Gaebepe said he wished to own an aerospace to help fight poaching and also employ the youth as his way of giving back to the community.

Mr Gaebepe was recently nominated by the Chobe District to act as the torch bearer for all the nine villages in the district. 

“It was such an honour and it clearly indicated how much faith the people of Chobe have in me,” he said. ENDS