31 Mar 2019

Derick Lehutso of Kopong in the Kweneng District has hailed Mascom Kitsong Centre for uplifting his standard of living.

In an interview with BOPA recently, the 31-year-old gentleman said he was assisted through the initiative in March 2017, mainly to bring ICT services to the community of Kopong and surrounding areas.

His business offers such services as printing, scanning, photocopying, internet, faxing and Mascom SIM card replacement and registration.

Mr Lehutso commended Mascom for the gesture, adding that he was taking care of the money he generated from the business.

He said Mascom gave him two computers, a printer, wireless modems and a fully furnished and electrified caravan.

“Mascom also took me for a three-weeks training, where we were taught entrepreneurship, computer basics, business skills and management,” he said.

The entrepreneur said he also sells Mascom prepaid airtime to his clients to diversify his business.

“My business is running smoothly and sustains me.

When I have a business related problem I know how to tackle it.

I want to be a living testimony that entrepreneurship is the best.

I want to offer the youth jobs,” he said, adding he had already started with two.

The owner of Kopong Communications Hub said his business also helped Kopong youth and those from surrounding areas as he always advertised business opportunities on the notice board for them to try their luck.

He said power cuts were the main challenge as his business was 99 per cent dependent on electricity.

To address the challenge, he said he used a backup generator.

Mr Lehutso is not only an entrepreneur, but also volunteers in many community development activities in Kopong.

He shared that he was the ambassador of Nthute Initiative, whereby they teach computer skills to the elders and community leaders. He said they also had the Pick Me Up initiative, whose mandate was to help the youth to venture into business and help others come up with viable solutions to battle unemployment as they were the hardest hit.

He said through the initiative, Kopong entrepreneurs met with the youth who wanted to venture into business and share ideas as a way of motivating them not to despair.

Moreover, he has partnered with Kopong library in a wellness and technology initiative, where they raise awareness about healthy living.

He urged upcoming entrepreneurs to utilise government initiatives and to be patient, determined and to persevere. Ends