30 Jul 2017

The recent Okavango mini show was described as a true reflection on how the government markets its programmes and services especially on issues of women empowerment.

Speaking in an interview one of the exhibitors at the mini show, Ms Semaswe Kuyakenge said the government had gone out of its way to reach women to better their lives and showcase local branded businesses.

Ms Kuyakenge, 39,  who makes a living through tree nursery in Shakawe explained that the mini show was worthwhile because local businesses were exposed to the world market looking at the fact that they lived in far-off places.

“I long benefited from the department of forestry in 1996 and 1997 respectfully.They gave me the ropes on how to plant and tend trees to the best of my ability. In 2012, it dawned on me that tree nursery can also be turned into a fruitful business,” Ms Kuyakenge said.

Ms Kuyakenge said as her business advanced, she sought assisted from the poverty eradication programme and was assisted with a shade and jojo tank.

She has planted mango, guava, apples, granadilla, strawberries, bananas, lemons, grape as well as flowers of all sorts.

Her prices range from P30 to P50 depending on the size, explaining that hardwork, passion and perseverance kept her business going.

Ms Kuyakenge wakes up as early as 6am, gathers her trees in a huge garbage bag and travels by foot to the mall to sell to passersby. That is how much Ms Kuyakenge wants her business to succeed.

She noted that there was no market in Shakawe. Furthermore, she explained that if she could afford transport to travel to places such as Etsha and Gumare to market her business.

However, Ms Kuyakenge is optimistic that her business will pull through. She also hailed the Department of Forestry for giving her support throughout the years as well as signing her up for upcoming exhibitions in Okavango and beyond.

Another exhibitor, Ms Segametsi Beerama, 38, has formed an alliance with a group of four women to manufacture candles.

She gave Shakawe women a word of encouragement and that at times it was better to work as a group to form a business than struggling solo.

Their business is simply called Brightness and it relies in making and processing candles of all colours.

She explained that they market their business through word of mouth and door-to-door marketing.

A packet of white candles is P15 and multi-colored ones are P21. They also benefited from the poverty eradication programme which gave them equipment for making and processing candles, colouring, powders, wool, overalls and boots.

“The supplies that were provided through the poverty eradication programme came in handy because we could not afford to purchase them ourselves,’’ she said.

However, there are hurdles along the way. Rent cuts down on their profit. If it was possible, buying a plot and building a workshop would be the only option.

Ms Beerama encouraged Batswana to take advantage of empowerment programmes to better their lives. BOPA