27 Feb 2017

Thinking outside the box has helped 46-year-old Mr Mokena Diyombo of Matlapana near Maun not to go around begging for food, but to fend for himself.

Mr Diyombo has found life in selling Presidents’ portraits to make a living.

He buys the portraits of former presidents, Sir Seretse Khama, Sir Ketumile Masire, Dr Festus Mogae and the current Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama from the Department of Information Services at P2 each and sells them at P200 each after framing them.

In an interview, Mr Diyombo says he buys frames at P100, noting that he started his business in 2012 after going through the hurdles of life.

Through his business, the father of one, is able to pay school fees and buy uniform for his daughter who is schooling in Mahalapye and then takes care of himself.

In a goodmonth, he said he makes about P900 or P2 000.

Mr Diyombo said small and big businesses as well as churches and individuals call him to provide them with portraits.

Also, he goes door to door marketing his business and sell to those who cannot make it to the Department of Information Services offices and other shops to buy portraits.

“For now, I need a plot where I can operate from because I have my own business name called Mimodi Art and Design and I am an artist, so I want to expand my business and introduce other crafts that I do,” he said.

Most tourists who pass through Matlapana to Khwai and Shorobe, he said buy crafts and portraits from him, adding that a plot would be ideal so that his presence could be visible.

He said he was motivated by the fact that people from all walks of life, Europeans and Africans, buy his products.

Asked about seeking financial support from government, he said he once approached the Gender Affairs department but was advised to look for two women partners.

That, he said discouraged him as women were generally not keen when it comes to artwork.

He said he would still look for more partners and approach the department again for funding.

His business, he said keeps him going and encouraged other youth to follow suit to avoid engaging in drugs and other criminal activities. ENDS