18 Jan 2017

Entering the premises of Maraizer Investments one would be welcomed by loud sounds of welding machines, grinders and drills signaling fabrication of metal products, thanks to Youth Development Fund.

Mr Tshepho Wakgotla told BOPA that he was funded to the tune of P44 000 in 2008 by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development through Youth Development Fund (YDF) to grow his welding business which he started in 2007 by then, which was ailing.

With the money, he said, he bought machinery such as welding machines and air compressor as well as raw materials such as flat bars and square tubes, among others.

The self-made entrepreneur said his business line ranges from manufacturing sliding gates, burglar bars, chairs to all types of window frames and he usually supplies government hospitals, councils, land board and the community at large.

From humble beginnings in the streets of Lobatse, Mr Wakgotla said starting a businesswas not a child’s play; therefore he implored the youth to exercise resilience when the going gets tough.

He said he did not perform well in other subjects at school but did exceptionally well in Design and Technology and Art in BGCSE in 2002, thus he found solace on the crafts. Mr Wakgotla could not hide his excitement to reminisce how he had to make ends meet with a meager P500 as his monthly salary.

“I had to save every little thebe that I had because I knew I had to make money to start the business.”

He said he only had welding skills but Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) came to his rescue through training in 2007, which helped him to keep his business buoyant.

On the same year, he said, he took part in a welding competition hosted by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development in which he got position one and a whooping P1 000 that he used to open a business account. ENDS