12 Feb 2017

Life of a 39-year-old, Mr Benny Chite of Moroka has been all about struggles until he ventured into a welding business with the help of the poverty eradication programme.
In an interview, Mr Chite stated that passion, hard work and determination changed his life for  the better.
Though, he was interested in leatherwork at first, he said welding was the other option because all he wanted was to change his life and that of his family.
 He was unemployed for a very long time and was about to lose hope. It was in 2016 that Social and Community Development office (S&CD), opened their doors for him and gave him hope through the poverty eradication programme.  He was funded to the tune of P15 000 and was able to buy a generator, inverter, drilling machine and other necessary equipment. He also indicated that though he was in the dark about welding, the S&CD office offered him training at Takatokwane, which he was grateful for.
They were taught how to make different products such as braai stands, television stands, windows and door burglars as well as other metal products.
Though welding managed to turn around Mr Chite’s life, he added that Zimbabwean welders disadvantage their businesses since they offer cheap products, therefore most Batswana prefer to buy from them leaving them to incur losses. He also said Batswana do not support local small businesses, which hinders their businesses from growing.
 In addition, he said shortage of equipment and machinery such as welding table, and workshop were some of the things that hold him back and weakened his business from growing.
He further stated that currently he was operating at his relative’s place. Mr Chite, who described himself as a hardworking, passionate young man, also stated that though his business is facing some setbacks, he does not go to bed on an empty stomach because he also survives through small jobs such as brick moulding and clearing of yard.
 Despite the challenges he is facing, he said he would work very hard for his family.
He has big dreams for his business and he said he would not rest until he becomes a very successful businessman. ENDS