24 May 2018

Despite living with disability, 41-year-old Mr Joshua Gaborone of Gash Services in Tlokweng prides himself in making ends meet thorough brick moulding and casting paving tiles.

The self-taught businessman said his journey began in 2008 after being involved in a car accident, which resulted in him being in a wheelchair for life, a condition which resulted in him forgetting about his 9am to 5pm job at Orapa Mine where he worked as a rigger.

Gash Services, which is a self-funded project, started operating in 2011 with only three workers, himself and two assistants.

Mr Gaborone explained that he started his business from personal savings as he believed God had a reason to spare him, and also to show the world that he could still do anything despite living with disability.

“It took me a year and a half to penetrate the market as I was still learning and producing on a small scale,’’ he explained.

Mr Gaborone is a heavy plant engineering certificate holder from UB and said his love for his craft came from a young age as he used to like practicals at school and was why he chose this kind of business.

He revealed that what kept him going was his passion, perseverance and making his clientele happy at all times.

“I supply individuals, companies and the South East District Council for their SHHA and Turnkey projects,” said Mr Gaborone.

He also explained that he had employed six young Batswana on a full time basis.

Mr Gaborone explained that he faced stiff competition from foreigners who sold their goods at low prices.

“My future plans are to approach CEDA to expand my business to other areas like Kgalagadi District so that I employ more people to help the government in issues of unemployment,’’ said Mr Gaborone.

He said he used his profits to develop his plot and to buy a delivery vehicle which he used for both personal and business activities. Ends