05 Jul 2018

It is said that dynamites come in small packages and it is definitely the case with Gaokobelwe Canvas, the brainchild of 37-year- old Mmoloki Gaokobelwe of Molehele ward in Ngware.

The Ngware native said that he started his business back in 2010, using only a domestic machine he bought after parting ways with his first employer. He said that was time when his dream of becoming a well-rounded entrepreneur started.

“But working from home was not easy as it had some limitations, one being that the machine was an old model and very slow and not designed to sew canvas.

Some relief came in 2015, when I was funded through the Youth Development Fund to an amount of P96 000 and that enabled me to purchase machinery suitable for sewing canvas material,” he said.

He said through his seven year experience working for Lobatse Canvas Company, he gained skills in crafting different kinds of canvas goods which included camping tents, bags, book covers and camping chairs among others.

The canvas-products maker highlighted that in doing his bags, he ‘does not draw any designs or prototype to paper,’ but just goes straight to his sewing machines and get started.

Mr Gaokobelwe said despite his specialty being making canvas bags, he did not only confine himself to that product, but also tried canvas beds and chairs, cushioned laptop bags for tertiary students to name a few.

The unique canvas goods maker noted that his passion for canvas products developed while he was working in Lobatse, where he kept learning from his seniors about crafting durable canvas products.

“Many Batswana are now keen on my products especially canvas bags as they now notice that they are strong and can be used in harsh weather. The feedback I get motives me to put more effort in my craft,” he said.

He said the business is doing well as he is able to sell his products at Letlhakeng, Ngware and Molepolole. His aim is to take his products nation-wide so that other Batswana can appreciate the work of his hands.

He attributed the success of his business to hard-work. He however cited challenges of lack of reliable markets, adding that his company had managed to sustain itself.

“There are many challenges that youth entrepreneurs face like lack of platforms for exposure where they can network,” he said.

He noted that even when they manage to go to platforms such as consumer fairs, the high pricing of stalls for small and medium entrepreneurs bars them from participating.

Mr Gaokobelwe also revealed that due to expensive canvas material, sometimes he is forced to make few products which limits his growth.He urged the youth to desist from being too lazy to even attempt YDF application forms, but rather try hard to understand them as aspiring entrepreneurs.

“We have organisations like Local Enterprise Authority (LEA), Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) which are open to assist Batswana understand such forms. It is also important to seek assistance from thriving youth entrepreneurs who have been funded. Some are good Samaritans who can offer free advice,” he said.

He said to him, business was more profitable than office work, noting that with his business he is now able to sustain himself and save some money, something he could hardly do while he was still employed.

He commended LEA office in Molepolole for coming up with market day initiative, saying it was his first time to showcase his products and many people were impressed.

Technical advisor at LEA in Molepolole, Mr Kereemang Moilwa said the market day initiative was meant to give small and medium businesses in Kweneng, registered with LEA the opportunity to showcase their products and services in an open space at Mafenyatlala mall every month.

Mr Moilwa said many small and medium businesses around Kweneng, even those not registered were now taking part in the market day held every month.

He also said they have partnered with many stakeholders like Kgosi Sechele I Museum, CEDA, Molepolole/Lentsweletau Administration Authority office and youth office to let their beneficiaries showcase their work.

He said whenever they take sales records at the end of the day; they receive positive feedback from entrepreneurs. ENDS