28 Jun 2018

One Youth Development Fund (YDF) beneficiary, Mr McDonald Rabantetse has made a mark in the multimedia and graphics industry. 

The 27-year-old entrepreneur is the brains behind the successful Parallel Graphics in Molepolole.

He was funded in 2017 to the tune of P100 000 to start his business, which offers services such as graphic design of logos, banners and t-shirt printing as well as secretarial services and has since been making good progress.

Mr Rabantetse said through the fund, he was able to buy equipment such as vinyl cutter, heat presser, digital printers, cold laminators and a camera.

“After completing my Degree in Software Engineering with multimedia from Limkokwing University, I opted to be a part time photographer for events such as weddings and personal photo shoots.  

Then, I later decided to start a multimedia kind of business so that I can use my expertise,” he said.

He said the use of social media platforms has remained a strong strategy in growing his business as he is able to learn new things and interact with customers as well as advertising his products.

Mr Rabantetse noted that his business has been doing well as he is able to pay rent, daily expenses and has also created an employment opportunity for one youth. 

He said he is very good with keeping financial records because he wants to know his losses and profits, more especially that one has to return the loan part of the YDF monies.

He said to sustain a business, one needs to exercise patience so that they can make profit and save money for those times when business is low as it is the ‘nature of the beast’. 

“During summer the business is good because a lot of people print t-shirts for different occasions and festivals, therefore making it the busy season for me,” he said. 

Mr Rabantetse said the satisfactory feedback he usually receives from his customers inspires him to be more innovative and creative. 

Although the business is doing well, he said there are challenges such as stiff competition as the multimedia industry is growing very fast, adding therefore, that one has to be always be on point.

He thanked his family for the support and gave credit to Ms Boipelo Letsholo from Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development office in Molepolole as well as his mentor, Mr Mogomotsi Bontsibokae for having his back. ENDS