30 Nov 2016

 For 34-year-old Mr Waitse Mminatau, having no educational certificate was no way a dream killer for him as he currently owns a photography business called Cam Photography and Productions.

Mr Mminatau, a poverty eradication programme beneficiary said that after enrolling with the programme it only took six months for him to acquire a Canon 1300D camera, laptop and printer all valued at around P15 000 to start his business.

He said he was  excited at the progress his new business making adding that he did not believe it would progress at the rate it was in.

He mentioned that for the three months he had been in business, he had been engaged in parties, graduations and weddings, something that he believed was a good start to marketing his business.

“I am all smiles when I see what I have achieved so far and if the business continues progressing like this next year, I will be adding more services,” he said.

In addition to providing photography services, Mr Mminatau also designed invitation cards for different events like weddings, parties, bridal and baby showers to add more money to his business.

“I decided to add graphic design services so that if the photography service was going at a snail pace at least I can be able to keep my business up float with graphic design,” he said.

Talking about his experience, he explained that after dropping from school due to financial challenges, he tried his luck in music, which did not bear any fruit because of lack of market.

He said after it was clear that he was not meant to be a singer, he resorted to designing CD covers for recording artists, something that he said awoke the designer and photographer in him.

“Life was not easy for me before the programme, I tried different things all backfiring at the embryo stage but I think it was a blessing in disguise because through it all I got to know that my true passion is photography and design,” he explained.

He said   he foresees his business having a state of the art studio and shooting professional music videos and short television drama series.

He encouraged other members of the community to enroll in availed programmes to better their lives.

He also advised other beneficiaries to be motivated so they become an example that one’s life challenges do not define their destiny.  ENDS