13 Jul 2017

Many youths in the country have started venturing into small businesses as employment opportunities have become minimal. 

One such youth is 26-year-old Mr Bolokanang Kgofetsi, also known by his clients as Dblue, who is making strides in the signage design business in Thamaga.

Mr Kgofetsi moved to Mmopane after completing his junior certificate where he learnt the basics of the business.

“I worked with one company in Mogoditshane in 2010 where I learnt how to do the job. I stayed with them for a year and moved back home,” he said. 

Mr Kgofetsi said he has always been a performer and was part of a traditional dance group as a dancer, but later realised that he needed a source of income to make a living.

“I noticed that there is a market for signage in Thamaga and decided to tap into it. With the experience I have and the skill I acquired in Mogoditshane, I knew I could make it in the industry,” he said.

The business started in 2015, self-funded with only one table in the office registered under the name Big Hockf Investment, situated near Thamaga Service Centre.

“I funded the business with the little money I made at the traditional dance gigs,” he said.

Mr Kgofetsi is currently the only one operating such a business in the village and he specialises in making signage, number plates and t-shirt printing.

He credits Thamaga Taxi Services for boosting his business, stating that they were his main customers.

“I deal mostly with taxi men and this really boosts my business as the number of taxis in Thamaga increases almost day. I also deal with clients whose cars have been involved in accidents and their plate numbers need fixing. Most people buy their cars in Gaborone, and do their plate numbers there, but slowly people are being referred to me in Thamaga,” he explained.

And because Mr Kgofetsi’s clientele were mostly taxi men, one would wonder if the market was enough. He explained that in a week he makes around P1 500, a clear indication that the business is doing well.

He said along the way he decided to incorporate t-shirt printing which he explained does well during weddings and towards the festive season as many people prepare for activities such as choir competitions. 

After realising that the business was sustaining itself, Mr Kgofetsi then hired one employee. He explained that his type of business needs passion and commitment to prosper.

He credits his marketing strategy for the success of his business, stating that marketing was the most crucial part in any business. 

“Whenever I am out at busy areas like malls, I make sure that I sell my business to any potential customer and that is one of the ways I build a clientele base,” he said.

Mr Kgofetsi said his desire was to employ more youth as a way of empowering them. ENDs