23 Aug 2018

Mr Rebaone Mponape, 33, says he did not let the struggles of unemployment define his life but went on to start his carpet cleaning and car washing business, Dust Eviction Enterprises which trades as The Wash in Serowe.

He said it was no walk in the park to achieve the now blossoming business just along the Serowe/Palapye main road.

“I started off with a car wash and my customers suggested that I clean carpets since some would bring their carpets and couches for cleaning and that forced me to expand my operations,” he said.

Mr Mponape said he started his business with a small home dust hoover bought from his savings, but now owns an all-in-one industrial carpet extractor which served as a multipurpose cleaner.
With four employees, Mr Mponape said profits did not come easy, hard work and determination played a big role.

“I went up to Form 5 academically and after I was not successful in my search for further studies, I looked for employment and worked for Wayguard Security for six months and left for Foods Botswana as a lab assistant,” he said.

From working at Foods Botswana he said he managed some savings and ventured into construction but failed and tried his luck in horticulture which also failed.

All this he said did not dampen his spirits but he continued until he made it in his current business which he said he intended to grow to be recognised nationally and employ many youth in years to come.

He said he used social media to advertise and also used home visits.

Mr Mponape said starting a business without government assistance was doable and encouraged the youth to take advantage of the many opportunities available however, advising that it must be something one was passionate about. ENDS