26 Apr 2021

Member of Parliament for Lobatse, Dr Thapelo Matsheka has implored young entrepreneurs to position themselves and take advantage of business opportunities in the town.

Dr Matsheka said this over the weekend at the Small Business Empowerment Workshop and Virtual Market Day, which was organised by Lobatse Streets & Market in collaboration with Bush Train Organisation.

Dr Matsheka, who is also the Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development was responding to some of the grievances from the entrepreneurs, as they complained about  range of challenges such as lack of support from well established companies, small market for their products and lack of support from government, arguing that established companies benefited more than small ones. 

“Having listened to your challenges, I wish to express that, it is not about the challenges of our town, but rather the opportunities that are presented in it,” he said.

Dr Matsheka therefore advised them to take advantage and exploit the linkages in businesses and opportunities available. 

“Your destiny is in your hands. Through entrepreneurship you should be able to have the freedom and ability to depend on yourselves,” he said. 

He said the worksop was a good initiative as it encouraged people to start businesses at a tender age. 

“The earlier you start your business, the better. Do not wait until you reach your retirement to start a businesses,” he said

Dr Matsheka advised them to be proactive, and advised those who had not started their business to start now.

He said, all have to be productive and participate as there was still a lot of work that needed to develop Lobatse.

“I am delighted to be here, because I believe that there are abundant opportunities  in this town,” he said.

Dr Matsheka, therefore, said that he would soon engage with big businesses to support local small businesses.

In his welcome remarks, organiser of the event, Lobatse Streets and Markert marketing manager, Mr Bonolo Mokopakgosi said their organisation served as a platform to show their potential clients what they had.

“It is also a channel that creates an opportunity for small businesses and corporate companies to meet and greet for possible opportunities.

He said Lobatse was an ideal place for business as most established businesses such as Flotec, Master Print,  Blue Crystal, and Choppies  started their operation in the town, which means it has economic potential.

“This event is a perfect opportunity for our small businesses to share ideas and also benchmark from successful ones,” he said. Ends