14 Jan 2013

High rental fees have always been cited as a hindrance to the development and growth of businesses owned by the youth.

Despite government putting in a lot of money in giving the youth an opportunity to start their own businesses, many of them fail after a few months in operation.

However, some youths have proved that the difficulties they meet in their businesses must only be treated as stepping stones to success.

One such youth is Ms Thabiso Ramocha, who was sponsored under the youth grant scheme which is now called Youth Development Fund (YDF) in the 2007/08 financial year. Ms Ramocha said she will never back down because she believes she has what it takes to make it in business.

She said her business, Fakanyao Creations, has stood the test time.

Ms Ramocha said her fashion and design business has been up and down due to lack of a workshop space where she can operate from.

She added that the available space is too expensive, forcing her to operate from home. 

Furthermore, she called on government to assist the youth to have a market place where they can be housed to carry out their businesses.

Ms Ramocha said despite lack of an industrial place, she will not back down until she gets her own place.

She said the fashion and design business can be profitable if done well, adding that the business needs someone who is patient. Ms Ramocha said she makes sure that she gets involved in fashion shows and other business youth activities where she can learn from others.

 Ms Ramocha said her embroidery machine has been broken for some time now , making her lose a lot of production time.  At times she has had to out source embroidery work.

She argued that if the Department of Youth had responded accordingly to her plea to replace the embroidery machine her business will be doing well.

She advised other youths who are in business like her not to sell their machinery when the going gets tough but rather to hold on until they get a break through.

Ms Ramocha plans to take her business to greater heights and keep her hope of making it in the fashion and design industry. ENDS