06 Jun 2018

 Fishing has changed the life of Mr Boikanyo Koronge for the better and he gives credit to the Poverty Eradication Programme, which aims at uplifting the lives of the unemployed citizens.
In an interview, Mr Koronge said had it not been for his shyness to ask for help, he could be begging or loitering the streets like many unemployed youth.
Upon finishing his Junior Certificate (JC) where he did poorly, he had no idea of what to do, so he joined other boys to go fishing in the nearby river, which he said was for fun and to get quick cash.
Mr Koronge said he realised that he could make money through fishing, but he did not have resources and was not confident enough to make it in business.
He added that for a while, he ignored the thought but the hardships of life kept knocking showing him that he needed income.
The young man noted that he heard about the Poverty Eradication Programme in which the fishing project was being funded at Robelela. He said he went to Robelela but was shy to make enquiries and decided to work for another beneficiary.
He was underpaid and he quit the job and visited the social work offices in his home village of Matsiloje to ask for help and joined the queue of other applicants.
Eager to start his business, he said he was fortunate enough to be funded in May 2016 and finally acquired all the necessary equipment.
Mr Koronge said he did not waste time and immediately started fishing. His project is based in Dikgathong Dam which is nearer to Matsiloje.
He said the fishing business was profitable even though it was unpredictable and seasonal, adding that they also faced a challenge of poachers who stole both their fish and fishing nets.
“The issue devastates me, but I am grateful that I get help from the wildlife and national parks department patrols as they always help bring culprits to justice,” he said.
He also cited transport as a challenge, adding that it was costly for him as he does not own a vehicle.
Despite the challenges, Mr Koronge said he was doing well as he could feed his family and save for the future.
Mr Koronge’s wish is to see his business grow so that he can buy a bigger boat than the current one, which is small and cannot handle the waves, hence difficulties to get in the water when it is windy.
He has employed Mr Keaboka Mance and encourages the youth to visit government offices with their business ideas to see how they could be assisted.
“A lot of youth are suffering and sitting on ideas because of the mentality that people will think they are poor, and the sad part is they do not have money to start their own businesses. I urge them to refrain from that because I know a lot who have let opportunities pass them and they now regret it,” he added.
He noted that it takes dedication, hard work and focus to become successful in life. ENDS