09 May 2017

The founder of Bodiredi Shoe Care and Leather Works in Molepolole has challenged young people to start their own businesses to curb unemployment rate in the country.
In an interview, Mr Mareledi Mothuso said that operating small businesses has proved to be the solution to reducing the number of young people roaming the streets, hence keeping them away from ill behaviours.
Mr Mothuso, who started his business in 2008, said he dealt with repairing shoes, belts, wallets, bags and all kinds of leather products.
“We also wash and polish these leather products, including renewing their colour and dying them,” he said.
He said he started the business after realising the need for a leather works business in Molepolole.

The 31-year-old Mothuso indicated that since inception, his business had seen fluctuating fortunes although he has never been discouraged even in bad days.
He said it was passion that pushed him to start the business.
“It is through this business that me and my colleagues can put food on the table and help in taking care of other household needs, which is better than just sitting at home waiting for someone to create employment opportunities for us,” he said.
Mr Mothuso said his business had employed two more young people who resided in Molepolole.

However, he said his dream was to turn the noble start-up business into a leather products manufacturing company.
He added that he intended to approach government departments and non-governmental organisations for funding.
Despite Mr Mothuso having no formal training in leatherworks nor any business related course, his customers have defined him and his co-workers as hard working with good customer service skills.
One of his longtime customers, Ms Dintle Tlalanyane said Mr Mothuso had been providing services to her while he was still operating from home. ENDS