06 Jul 2020

Graduating with an Honours Degree in Broadcasting and Journalism  from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in 2011, 32-year-old Matlhogonolo Ketshabile was armed with a powerful tool that would open up employment opportunities.

However, circumstances on the ground proved otherwise, as tertiary education graduates were equally impacted by the challenge of unemployment.

Determined and eager to make a positive in her life, Ms Ketshabile gathered strength from the challenge and engaged in alternative means of generating income.

After moving from pillar to post searching for a job that commensurate with her qualifications without luck, Ms Ketshabile was determined to make ends meet in order to provide for her family and satisfy her other social and personal needs.

Against all odds, Ms Ketshabile managed to get a breakthrough as she resorted to self-employment by venturing into cleaning services, through her company called Braintec Cleaning Services.

Ms Ketshabile said from the onset, she was never choosy, as she offered her services to all customers, no matter how minute the service might look.

“Whenever I was called to offer a service, be it cleaning carpets, mattresses and any other befitting services, I was ready to render my services,” said Ms Ketshabile in an interview at her office at Gaborone West Industrial.

“I was determined to sustain the business and become a reputable service provider in the industry,” she said.

Ms Ketshabile bears testimony to the fact that the golden days have passed where tertiary graduates were assured of getting employment as long as armed with the requisite qualification.

She added that employment opportunities were scarce and therefore one must utilise the acquired skill and venture into an income-generating undertaking.

“The challenging environment, where unemployment dictates terms, does not give anyone an excuse to stay home and fold their arms, and hope to secure a paying job,” she said.

Ms Ketshabile said the current environment appeals to graduates and the youth in general to up their game.

“Gone are the days when completing graduates were certain of a quick placement in the labour market, employment opportunities are now scarce, but that does not give one a reason to sit and fold arms,” she said.

Braintec Cleaning Services has been operating for nine years and has created employment opportunities for 80 youths, of which 60 are on long term contracts while 20 are engaged as and when the need arises.

Ms Ketshabile said some young graduates were negatively affected by the challenge of unemployment as some suffered emotionally and stress challenges.

As a young person, Ms Ketshabile said she had found it fit to be part of the solution to the challenge by starting a company and creating employment.

Ms Ketshabile also carries issues of Corporate Social Responsibilities close to her heart.   Last year the company lent   a helping hand by donating tablets at Mosielele Junior Secondary School.

She has also donated a soccer kit, thermometers and hand sanitisers at Semolale her home village.

Recently she donated sanitisers at Phase 2 Clinic in Gaborone and thermometers at Gerald Estates in Francistown.

With the zeal to make an impact in the business industry, despite any expertise in business, Ms Ketshabile was not shy to risk her way towards establishing her business.

Through sacrifices, which squandered income destined to satisfy household needs, Ms Ketshabile turned her business venture into a reality.

“I also found unconditional support and strength from my husband, Mr Brian Ketshabile, he never gave up on me,” she added.

Even though based in Gaborone, Braintec Cleaning Services has extended its services to afar places such as Francistown, where it had also established a reputable consumption of its services.

“Braintec Cleaning Services has become brand to reckon with,” she said.

Ms Ketshabile said the company had experienced satisfactory growth over the years as it offered professional cleaning services to both corporate, private and public entities as well as individual customers. Ends