24 Nov 2016

A 28 year-old sculptor and business owner, Mr Mmoloki Nkhwalume has unemployment as the least of his worries.

He has found a way to make a living during these difficult days of scarce employment opportunities by opening his own craft shop in Kasane.

Mr Nkhwalume has been running his business since 2012 when he left his construction job as it failed to meet his standard of living and with the little money he received from piece jobs thereafter, he started the business.

“One of my friends advised me to open a craft shop because life was hard on my side,” said Mr. Nkhwalume.

The same friend also introduced him to Mr Khulumani Nkomo, now his business partner and supplier.

Mr Nkomo also was struggling in life when the two met, as he was always in trouble with by-law officers due to selling his products illegally.

The two agreed on partnering on the craft shop, with Mr Nkomo as both the supplier and a sculptor.

Tourists are their biggest buyers but they also have Muchenje Lodge, who order in large quantities, giving their business a boost, especially during the peak season when there are many tourists visiting.

“Locals should also buy from us and the government should also support us during events like tourism day,” he emphasized.

Next to them are other craft shops, but they manage to be ahead of their game and not feel threatened by their competitors.

“We get different stock so that our competitors do not have similar products to ours,” said Mr Nkhwalume.

Even though business is good, not having a proper structure and operating space seems to be a major concern for them, as during the rainy season, their products are ruined.
When temperatures increase, the sculptures crack and lose their value, which becomes a major loss for the business.

Transporting their products from the border to the operating space is a major challenge to their business, as they do not have a company car, so they end up spending large amounts of money to transport the products.

Despite the challenges, the business has helped them and changed their lives as they can buy groceries, pay rent, take care of the family and himself because of this business.

Mr Nkhwalume further stated that because of this business, he does not need a job anymore and the fact that their business is doing well has allowed them to hire a sales person to help around when they are busy running errands for the craft shop.

“We aim to have a permanent structure, to supply European countries and have stronger relations with other lodges around Chobe, said Mr Nkhwalume. BOPA