22 Oct 2013

Government has come up with empowerment schemes in order to eradicate abject poverty and unemployment.

These schemes included Youth Development Fund (YDF), CEDA and LIMID. Kgomokhunwana Enterprise is a beneficiary project funded by the Youth Development Fund scheme. Unlike other youth who indulge alcohol and drug abuse due to the frustration of unemployment and poverty, 31-year-old, Mr Keaobitsa Babeile utilised YDF and founded Kgomokhunwana Enterprises.

The Maralaleng-born Mr Babeile said, his goat breeding project commenced in 2011. He explained that the reason why he engaged in goat breeding was because he had a passion for goats which developed since his days as a toddler as he was raised in a family of pastoral farmers.

The Kgomokhunwana owner revealed that he was not successful academically and the highest  level  he attained was junior certificate. He was therefore forced by circumstances to be a herdboy  for his parents after completing school and that was where he learnt about goat rearing and where his passion was nurtured.

“During that time, when I was looking after my parents’ flock, I always longed to have my own flock. It is for this reason that I could not resist and ignore the availability of these empowerment schemes provided by government. I never procrastinated but, stood up immediately and applied for the YDF, which is 50 per cent loan and 50 per cent grant”, said Mr Babeile.

Babeile said when Kgomokhunwana Enterprises started operating, it consisted of 60 Savanna breed ewes and two bucks and he had opted for the Savanna as it was drought resistant.

He further stated that the project was doing well, except for a few hindrances as the flock had increased to 110 but, could have been more if it was not for predators, mortality cases and supplying LIMID. However, he said he was happy since to him, this was an indication that his project had potential to go places.

The young man also added that he could not lament about the production rate of Kgomokhunwana Enterprises as it was promising and that it will enable him to pay back the loan so that other youth could also be funded.

“Another challenge I encounter is poor grazing areas and lack of rainfall. I am therefore, compelled to buy feeds which are also very expensive. The market is also limited. Though i supply LIMID, its payments are also very slow.

I however, hope that someday Kgalagadi South will have a small stock abattoir that will create market for small stock farmers. Meanwhile, I will continue to work very hard as the manager and herdboy of this project to make it prosperous”, Mr Babeile pointed out.

He could not stop praising Tsabong Department of Veterinary Services, as the assistance they gave him has made him overcome the difficulties that he could not have victory over if he had not used the veterinary services aid.

Mr Babeile revealed that he enjoyed support from his family and the community as he was watering his flock at a family syndicate borehole and so far he had not encountered any problem of theft. Nevertheless, Mr Babeile was looking forward to having his own watering point in a fenced farm as he wanted to expand his project to breed and feedlot in future.

Mr Babeile boasted that this project has positively impacted his life since he is now employed and has it has also infused self reliance in him. He also stated that he has undergone a short business course which augments him in running his business in a proficient way.

Mr Babeile applauded the Government for its efforts of eliminating poverty by availing these empowerment schemes, and also urged the youth more especially in Kgalagadi to take advantage of the area being a disease free zone and is conducive for rearing livestock. Mr Babeile emphasized that it is advisable to make hay while the sun still shines. The youth should make use of empowerment schemes while they are available. ENDS