14 Mar 2017

A 37 year-old Molepolole -born Mr Bobby Mpuang has been fascinated bymetal work from early childhood.

Bloza, as he is affectionately known in his chosen field explained to BOPA in an interview that by the time he was at his pre-school level, his talent, passion and determination in metal works mushroomed as he used to play with pieces of metal.

He explained that he grew up with the spirit to the effect that he opted for art related subjects as well as design and technology for skills acquisition on the use of all types of metal.

Mr Mpuang revealed that with the above mentioned subjects, he duly studied and practised on the use, designs and combination of metals as he wished.

Thus, he said his passion and sheer determination on the two subjects’ eventually produced results as he excelled at all times.

He did not perform well in his Junior Certificate Examinations, hence making him not to enrol for the next level, that of Cambridge O’Levels School Certificate (COSC).

“Having not managed to proceed to Cambridge level has never made me think that it is the end of my future because I understood and realised that not all of us can make it,” he stressed.

Mr Mpuang said it was upon him to broaden up for the available opportunities that the country could provide in order to exploit his existing potential.

He further maintains that there is nothing like one cannot succeed in life, explaining that all that is needed is to look into an opportunity and get focused on it.

Mr Mpuang highlighted that at first he embarked on a car washing and tyre servicing business with the aim to accrue profits that he would use to venture into his intended business of metal welding.

He said that the two businesses worked for him as he managed to start a business he was passionate for 10 years back.

The metal worker highlights that at the start of this business, most people doubted that he would succeed in his endeavour, more so that he did not go any further with his studies.

Mr Mpuang stated that he ignored the type of negativity that arose from the people as he proved them wrong and got focused on what he intended to do to fulfil his dream.

He added that one of his outstanding accomplishments in his chosen dream was by the support that he received from his parents, motivating him to have no qualms about people’s uncomplimentary attitudes towards him.

Today, Mr Mpuang is a living legend in his chosen field of metal work, and is clear that metal work is his eternal sole mate.

His business name is Falgen Metal Science Technology and specializes in manufacturing yard gates as well as fitting them.

Located in Francistown in Somerset East, Falgen Metal Science Technology sits on the edge of the A1 main road, thus giving it a strategic position for potential customers.

The self-starter explained that the business is helping him brush off poverty as well as taking care of all his family’s needs.

“I am able to provide for my daughter and able to put food on the table for my family as well as making ends meet,” he stated with a sense of self actualisation.

Today, Mr Mpuang is an inspiration to others and a living proof that if one tries hard he or she can attain their ambitions.

Even though he is self-accomplished, he does not boast about his success and is modest and unassuming and would rather want to focus on doing the best he is able to do.

He highlights that his customers range from lodges, hotel operators and some individuals at large and he has so far attracted customers across the country as well as from neighbouring countries.

Mr Mpuang said the quality work he produces and the art designs he is making on the gates are some major contributing factors for his products to be appealing to more customers.

The well manufactured and designed yard gates make one to want to constantly keep an eye on them and if not place and order for them.

However, Mr Mpuang says he believes that innovation, pricing and quality of the product one is offering are the main ingredients of a world class business.

Falgen Metal Science Technology is not all about making profits or making customers happy, although these are one of the ideal goals, but it plays a major role in the growth of the economy through advancing the objectives of employment creation, economic diversification and poverty eradication.

Currently the business has four employees as well as the sole proprietor, Mr Mpuang, who has called upon fellow youth to unearth their talents and make a living out of them.

He said today talent is no longer a thing of entertainment as in the past, but rather a thing that can gradually change one’s life if exploited. ENDS