07 Feb 2021

On-demand services continue to be a rising trend in townships, with market share growing significantly in the past few years for start-ups.

  This was said by entrepreneur and founder of MaFresh fast-food outlet, Mr Kgotla Ntsima in an interview recently, saying it was about time Batswana tapped into the market space offered by townships.

Today, he reiterated, marked an incredible era mushrooming with ready-to-go business opportunities that required minimal investment yet high paying in townships.

Mr Ntsima explained that ‘MaFresh’ had been established solely for townships and scaled for growth organically at select townships.

MaFresh launched its operations in Gaborone West last month and managed to successfully position itself as a force to reckon with offering a firm signature taste of potato chips and fried chicken in the heart of the community.

Mr Ntsima stated that as an entrepreneur he understood the essence behind building a competitive and strong brand that had the potential to compete locally and abroad. He noted that he continued to find ways to add more perfection to his venture.

He noted that MaFresh was locally crafted and that his vision for the concept had a far-reaching plan set for growth and expansion in years to come.

He said crafting an eye-catching brand that would attract more customers was another vehicle that he employed to attract potential customers and earn more from the investment.

Mr Ntsima highlighted that his concept of MaFresh did not only provide a solution to people living in townships, but that it also came handy for local farmers in the chicken industry that had been struggling with the distribution of their products over the years.

He noted that he procured over 200 chickens on a weekly basis from local farmers and that the margins would grow significantly in the coming months.

Mr Ntsima encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to scrutinise different business models and acquaint themselves with the most effective and efficient when setting ventures.

He said entrepreneurs should understand that with the right business model, productivity and business growth were entirely upon the amount of effort they put in.

He said MaFresh was trailing the footsteps of renowned international brands such as McDonald’s and had parallel processes that had the potential to sustain and grow the venture.

He said his model took into account the fact that most people in townships were of low income, and that his business catered for such hence his moderate pricing strategy and excellent product quality.

Mr Ntsima noted that it took years to build prominent food brands globally and that Africa had a chance for booming businesses in food and retail.

He said once established and nurtured in the streets of Botswana, MaFresh endeavoured to spread its structures unto the SADC region and beyond.

Mr Ntsima said his concept drew inspiration from international food outlets, saying the majority of them did not target a market but spread quickly across the nation and beyond.

He urged entrepreneurs to adopt the model, saying  it bears sustenance and guaranteed future evolution.

He said one other major driver of MaFresh was operating with low overheads or expenses hence his step to set a venture which does not have rental and utility challenges. 

Mr Ntsima underlined that starting a business was always a risk, but that pursuing one of the promising sectors could improve one’s odds.

With much emphasis on the food markets, Mr Ntsima explained that social events had moved outdoors recently with food markets being the leading contender in this market.

He said market trends had caught on in many townships across the country, with many entrepreneurs launching their food markets or cookouts catering for that market.

Notably, he said major brands were forever looking to partner with township entrepreneurs for expansion and creating a steady customer base. He said it gave entrepreneurs leeway to start businesses.

The founder of MaFresh stressed that he looked to support fellow township businesses to expand and develop resilience within the market through consultancy services or related aid. ends