04 Apr 2017

 Most of the unemployed youth continue to benefit from government empowerment initiatives extended to them to improve their lives.

One such individual is 22-year-old Mr Kabo Mokokwe of Molepolole, who has started a coffin-making business.

The lad recently said in an interview that he took heed of his guardian’s advice to apply for a carpentry course through the poverty eradication initiative.

He said after approval, he started a three-month course at Kweneng Bophirima Brigade in Takatokwane.

Upon completion of the course early last year, Mr Mokokwe chose to specialise in coffin-making, but he went for a month’s internship at Ka-Lerato Funeral Services in Ramotswa to perfect his skills and get an insight.

He said working at the funeral service for a month was an eye-opening experience as he did more practical work; making coffins.

“After completing my internship, I did some research, through which I realised that there were no individuals, specialising in coffin-making in Molepolole, save for funeral parlors. That’s how my coffin-making business began,” he said.

The young man started operating last year in March and opted for the open face casket type.

Mr Mokokwe expressed his love for art starting from way back at junior school while doing Design and Technology.

“The subject unleashed my creative side. At times I would get rebuked at home for using roofing rafters meant for something else,” he said.

He said at the moment he is supplying Kweneng District Council. He commended the council for supporting his business.

He said he has not yet considered selling to individuals. “Individuals like negotiating prices while some buy on credit and this might pull the business down,” he said.

He pointed out that despite the business thriving, he has the challenge of importing costly materials.

The other challenge he noted is lack of proper space to do his business, saying at the moment he operates from home and has one employee.

From the profits of the business, the young man noted that he has been able to buy a car that he uses to run business errands. ENDS