28 May 2018

One resident of Pilikwe, Mr Kgakgamatso Mbakhwa, 32, reaps the benefits of recycling and turning bottle lids into wall hangings, foldable stools, arm chairs and tables.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Mbakhwa said he now has a free stall at Somarelang Tikologo where he displays and sells his work.

It was his mentors who referred him to Local Enterprise Authority (LEA), which he said had been resourceful.

He started his recycle project in 2016 inspired by many bottle lids which were scattered all over and children using them as toys in his neighbourhood.

He thought of what he could do and his creativity led him to working out few ideas.

Mr Mbakhwa said he was never afraid to get his hands dirty, as he collected bottle lids in hotels, lodges, restaurants and other social events like weddings, and was motivated when people began to show interest in his craft.

He started selling his products at Pilikwe where he used the battering system and exchanged his products for chickens as the village based clientele could not afford to pay in cash.

He is now set to venture into Tswana chicken farming and targets to sell them to government for the poverty eradication and LIMID programmes.

He also commutes between Gaborone and Pilikwe to sell his craft, adding that his biggest sale was in 2017 when former president, Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama bought 10 of his foldable chairs, boosting both his business and confidence in his craft.

Mr Mbakhwa markets his business daily through walk-ins, online social platforms, recommendations and referrals by his previous customers, adding that he was in talks with lodges that showed interest in his craft.

He attended the National Youth Business Expo in 2016 and aims to attend more expos for exposure as his previous attendance earned him the needed marketing platform.

To enhance his work, he said he enrolled at Construction Industry Trust Fund (CITF) last year where he did painting and decorating, skills he said were now paying off as they helpeed him in mixing and matching colours.

They also helped him as he is now a freelance interior decorator, and also works with wood, especially pallets, which he also turns into a clients’ specification.

He implored the youth and public to respect other people’s copyrights, highlighting that instead of stealing other people’s creations, they should benchmark, form partnerships, buy franchises and follow proper protocol.

In addition, he said he sometimes meets clients who questioned the durability of his products, particularly chairs and stools, but he assured them that they were neither fragile nor uncomfortable, but durable and comfortable as normal plastic chairs.

He cited as challenges clients who undermined his craft; dictated price reductions while others made uninformed remarks about recycling.

He voiced that people should respect and take local manufactured products seriously and honour set prices.

Moreover, he said he was looking for more funds to grow his business as he aspires to employ and explore many recycling ideas, which he said required improved machinery from what he currently uses.

Mr Mbakhwa advised young people to make use of their gifts and talents, elaborating that they should stop imitating existing ideas and crafts, but should stick to their original ideas and aim to be innovators and game changers.

“Open your mind, brainstorm and you’ll flourish. Don’t be lazy because nothing comes easy, work hard and reap the benefits. I funded my business from scratch and I had to buy machinery to grow my business. I believe any young person can save any money they earn and start something,” said Mr Mbakhwa. ENDS