04 Feb 2019

Makuaneno group based in Komana in the North West District has found a niche in the informal savings system popularly known as Motshelo, thanks to the Project Concern International (PCI) Botswana and Maun Administrative Authority (MAA).

The idea to form the group followed mobilisation by the village social worker, Mr Obakeng Kheru last year.

He organised a workshop facilitated by PCI Botswana in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural development to introduce members to the motshelo concept.

Members were also drilled on book keeping and record keeping.

Mr Kheru said PCI Botswana was an independent organisation with a mission to empower people on how to enhance health, end hunger and overcome hardships faced by communities.

“The organization is currently driving an initiative dubbed: Women Empowered Groups, which aims to restore and promote the spirit of self-reliance and working as a team to save money for the betterment of the team members’ lives,” he said.

He explained that the ministry partnered with the organisation after realising that the initiative could help eradicate poverty.

The group was formed last year with 14 members.

“Recently, the group members had an opportunity to complete five days training on basic business skills. The training covered topics such as business formation and planning, marketing of products, costs and pricing as well as record keeping,” he explained.

Mr Kheru praised Makuaneno group adding that in Komana, they had four groups of which three were active a.

Some groups, he said, had started income-generating projects such as bricklaying.

In an interview, Makuaneno group leader, Ms Mpho Mosweu said they started with 22 members.

 Some failed along the way, but the remaining 14 soldiered on.

Ms Mosweu attested that the concept had not only transformed their lives but also gave them opportunities to think outside the box.

When the group started, she said each member contributed P500, lending people the money with an interest of 25 per cent sharing the returns every two years.

“In addition, members also contributed P10 on monthly basis and the money accumulated was used for small errands to keep the group going.”

By the end of 2018, the group had managed to accumulate P42 000 and it was agreed that every member should be given P2 500 and return the money with interest as their main objective was to make more profits.

Asked what made them thrive, Ms Mosweu emphasized on commitment and perseverance.

She added, “every Tuesday, we meet to share ideas, advice on how we could spice the concept and make it more attractive and rewarding among them buying house utensils on monthly basis and giving to each member. We also realised that some of our members are from disadvantaged families where there is no shelter and we agreed to contribute P200 to ensure every member has at least have one room.”

She said most of the members had difficulties earning a living however, she took pride in the fact that they could now put bread on the table and take care of their families.

The group also assisted during activities such as funerals and weddings.

She explained that they were in the process of opening a bank account and venturing into a poultry project in an effort to boost their coffers. ENDS