26 Aug 2013

The poverty eradication programme has turned an unemployed Maun woman into her own boss, as it continues to assist and empower Batswana to create livelihoods for themselves. Ms Kelebile Keneetswe of Botshabelo ward in Maun is among beneficiaries who have graduated out of poverty since the introduction of the poverty eradication programme.

In an interview, Ms Keneetswe said the poverty eradication initiative had made a big impact on her life. After years of unemployment, she started her horticulture business in her backyard with tree nursery in 2010. Her years in the unemployment arena were charaterised by survival efforts such as doing laundry for other people, cleaning yards and selling firewood. 

One day, she felt tired of all this and thought of a business, which would earn her a living and thought of growing tomatoes, which did well and motivated her to grow more vegetables and trees. 

Ms Keneetswe said upon hearing about poverty eradication projects, she approached the Department of Forestry in Maun to ask for assistance. Luck was on her side. The department gave her the support she needed, which included a water tank, net shade for the nursery, seeds and fertilizers, reticulated water into her yard and even advised her on the seasons for growing certain vegetables. 

She said she did not go for any formal training. She just used the knowledge she acquired from competitors who ventured on to that business before her and from employees of the Department of Forestry who visit her business from time to time.

She also noted that at first, she wanted to specialize in fruits and through the empowerment from the forestry department; she introduced ornamental plants and has added laying of lawns and landscaping upon request by customers. Ms Keneetswe said her enterprise was promising to be successful because people started to recognize it. Some of her customers came from places other than Maun. BOPA