25 Mar 2019

It is not always unemployment and hunger that drive the youth into businesses, as some are born entrepreneurs, while others are spurred on by government empowerment initiatives and want to grab the opportunity while it lasts.

This is the case with the trio of Ms Malebogo Karele, 39, Ms Olebogeng Aaron, 32, and Mr Reetsang Modisaemang, 33, who quit their respective jobs to make jam and artchar.

Their journey of a thousand miles of blending fruits and vegetables to produce jam and artchar started with baby steps, and is now bearing fruit as their unique idea has made them stand out among their peers.

Mr Modisaemang explained that their artchar was prepared with fresh vegetables and carefully packaged to make it appealing with emphasis on food safety.

The trio are old school friends, and came together to start their food processing business.

Ms Karele was employed at Cumberland Hotel in Lobatse, Ms Aaron worked for Kromberg Company while Mr Modisaemang worked as a refrigeration technician. They all agreed to source funds from government’s gender affairs programme and they were funded to the tune of P245 000.

They then formed Golden Maths Company and went for training on jam and artchar making as well as packaging at the Nation Food Technology Research Centre (NFTRC) in Kanye, and thereafter they opened their business.

“We mix a fruit and a vegetable like apple and tomato, carrot and orange as opposed to the usual jam of fruits. The good thing is we are aware of the nutritional value of our products,” explained Mr Modisaemang.

Ms Karele chipped in to explain that their passion for food came handy and blended well with their vision to contribute positively to the economy of the country. She said the business has a potential to create jobs for the youth.

Ms Aaron also added that the uniqueness of their products has attracted more clients, and that their business might help reduce food imports as it grew.

“We intend to grow this business and add other food items like juice making and use other vegetables, which are found and ploughed locally. This will also help us penetrate even the outside market,” added Ms Aaron.

Though transport remains one of their challenges, they are optimistic that they will soon be the leading producer of the unique jam and artchar.

They revealed that they had already approached several leading chain stores and that their products would soon hit the shelves.

“The market is good and promising. Our artchar can also be ordered in bulk to be used at weddings and other social events. So far the market has been responsive and we are hoping for the best,” Ms Karele said. ENDS