01 Dec 2016

Poverty eradication beneficiaries in Rakops are  beaming with pride and happiness expressing gratitude on how the programmes have impacted on their lives.

The beneficiaries expressed these sentiments during a kgotla meeting addressed by the member of Presidential inspectorate team Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri on Monday. The beneficiaries noted that the programmes have restored their dignity, saying it accorded them an opportunity to establish shelter for their families while others electrified their houses.

One of the beneficiaries, Ms Baagedi Semotshele who was funded to do a bakery project in 2013 and got trained on baking skills said her business progressed very well with a notable profit.

Happiness lit up her face as she relayed her success story to other members of the village noting that she earns between P350 and P250 per day and P5000 per month. She supplies different businesses in Rakops as much as tendering to primary schools.

Ms Semotshele, a widow, said through bakery business earnings, she managed to complete her house which was at wall level, electrified it and installed a water pipe in her homestead. She also managed to repair her vehicle to enhance and further elevate her business.

Her competency she said was producing ring buns, which makes her business more marketable and unique from other bakeries.

Ms Semotshele said her plan was to expand the business by diversifying in to rental business, saying her intention was to build a hostel for rental. The only challenge in her business was that some of the local businesses prefer to buy from businesses operating outside Rakops.

Another beneficiary, Ms Omponye Gakeratwe who started small stock production in 2011 through LIMID programme said it changed her life magnificently. ENDS