19 Nov 2018

A young entrepreneur, Mr Richwell Katjiteo, has defied the odds and ventured into a so-called female dominated industry of sewing and designing clothes. 

Katjiteo, 27, who hails from Kgaantshang settlement near Maun, has found a niche in sewing and designing and is now operating a successful tailor shop called Richwell Manufacturing Garments in Maun. 

In an interview, he said he always loved to wear unique and stylish clothes, something that inspired him to venture into textile.

He said it all began when he borrowed his mother’s domestic sewing machine and started doing his own design of patching trousers in a unique style.

Upon discovering that he was naturally gifted in that field, in 2010 Mr Katjiteo enrolled at Young Women Christian Association, pursuing a certificate in dress making and pattern making. 

“After completing my studies in 2011, I gained more skills that enabled me to start designing overalls, trousers and shirts. Mind you before going for training, I was only doing patch works,” he said

In 2013, he registered his company, which specialises in designing school uniforms, overalls, shirts, skirts, suits, Indian garments and African prints among other things.   

Mr Katjiteo said as the business was doing well, he wanted to expand even further, so he applied for and was funded through the Youth Development Fund (YDF) to the tune of P98 000. 

After being funded, he said things got better and he moved from operating at home to an office at Maun Old Mall behind OK furniture shop, where he currently operates from. 

He noted that the funding also helped him secure an industrial sewing machine, adding that he had also employed one person. 

Mr Katjiteo, a father of three, said his life has changed and he can take care of his children and support other family members. 

However, as every business has its own challenges, his is no exception, as he decried a situation where people would want to take stuff on credit and pay after a long time. 

He also encouraged other Batswana men to use their potential and venture into women dominated industries as men can also excel at them. ENDS