23 Mar 2017

Business is a risky adventure, the odds of its survival are in most instances equal to those of its collapse.  However though the outcomes are unpredictable people start up businesses every day some leaving their well paved career to risk in businesses.

Thirty-two-year old,  Mr Norman Thela heeded government advice for youth to start up their own businesses to break the unemployment cycle.

In an interview, Mr Thela said job opportunities were limited and finding one did not necessarily mean everything would move smoothly.

He said having a job suitable  for the ability and skills of an individual was preferable since one would be forced to work under the employers’ boundaries.

Having obtained a degree in Animal Science from Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, previously known as Botswana College of Agriculture, Mr Thela said after completing his studies in 2008 he worked in several organisations, but did not enjoy what he was doing.

Born and raised in Tutume, Mr Thela said when opportunity of Youth Development Funds knocked on his door he did not hesitate but grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

He said by 2014, having worked for different organisations he realised he was more than ready to start up his own business.

He said 2015 was year of opportunity for him as his YDF proposal was approved, Mr Thela said he was funded with P95 000 to start up his business of animal feeds sales, gardening equipment, veterinary drugs, seeds and agro-chemicals.

Trading as ANICROP CENTER, Mr Thela said his business managed to hire four youth.

He noted that his business was slowly growing and all this he said was happening because of his hard work and passion in the agriculture field.

He said though there was no stability in his profits and loses the least amount he makes monthly was P20 000 and if the month was productive he doubled or tripled the amount.

He said even if this seemed to be calm, storms were there and he never let go if storms hit his business.

He said he faced challenges like shortage of transport to take his goods from manufactures to his workshop.

Mr Thela said competition also affected him at some point, but he was optimistic of success to take his company through.   

Giving word of advice to those who still have hard time to find jobs, he said all those companies that were up and running and having chains all over the world started as an idea.

He said youth should not underestimate their ideas.  

He said his passion took him to where he was, noting that he recently opened a butchery which was promising.

Mr Thela said he was also active in tendering for various people to supply veterinary drugs and seeds.

He said all this were working out because before he started his business he researched very well and willing to learn every day. ENDS