18 Nov 2013

Batswana have been urged to aim high and be positively jealous by out-competing each other and other business competitors.

Speaking at the launch of Barcelos Rail Park Mall franchise owned and run by Radikwata’s family on Saturday, November 16, the Vice President Dr Ponatshego Kedikilwe said citizen economic empowerment was about showcasing pioneers, adventurers and budding entrepreneurs to demonstrate to others that other Batswana had taken the plunge by embarking upon meaningful business ventures and prospering.

Dr Kedikilwe said economic empowerment was not only about facilitating and opening up opportunities exclusively for Batswana, but it entailed transformative leadership at all levels to infuse self-confidence, verve, commitment and perseverance. “I have come to water the seed that hard work is a virtue that has potential to bear fruit of being rich,” he said.

The potential, he said was enormous for the informal sector, Small Micro Medium Enterprises (SMME’s) and medium scale projects, adding that undue hurdles in their way must be removed. He commended management of Barcelos for investing in Botswana, the trust and confidence that they have shown in the Radikwata family by allowing them to exploit the franchise.

Dr Kedikilwe noted that Radikwata family formed LEX investments in July 2009 in partnership with another family to buy two Barcelos franchise stores in Gaborone on a 50/50 shareholding basis.
The family, he said, took the opportunity to expand when they bought their partners out, stating that this vindicates the point that it takes more than money to make it, saying it takes sacrifice and prioritising one’s needs.

He noted that space for the store was secured in September 2012 and operations started in September 2013 costing a total of P420 000 for rental in a year. The Vice President said he was impressed that the company has employed 43 Batswana, with 19 in Rail Park branch only. He highlighted that these efforts were in support of government’s initiatives of job creation and poverty eradication.
Lex Investments, he said, operates Barcelos African mall, Barcelos Mogoditshane and Barcelos Rail Park mall, saying it was pleasing as the youth use their talent and emerging opportunities to venture into profitable businesses.

The success rate of ongoing youth funded projects, he said stands at 87.7 per cent adding that it takes vision, faith, patience and perseverance to come this far and it was clearly possible for other Batswana to achieve such milestones. The efforts and assertiveness of the Radikwata family, he said was a matter of national pride, and their determination nurtures hope, self confidence that the youth of Botswana are harnessing their business acumen and talent to hoist their entrepreneurial spirit.

Managing director of Barcelos, Mrs Gaothobogwe Radikwata noted that venturing into business was not an easy task, urging Batswana to venture into businesses as the government has devised initiatives conducive for business. Mrs Radikwata stated that a person has to lose money to make money, adding that perseverance is the rightful path to success.

Barcelos representative, Mr Shaun Stoltz highlighted that as the management of Barcelos they were honoured to have a footprint in Botswana, and he thanked Batswana for making their venture a pleasing one.

The Member of Parliament for Gaborone West South, Mr Botsalo Ntuane, expressed concern that in most instances franchise companies deny Batswana the opportunity to purchase such franchises. Mr Ntuane stated that as Batswana they would like to be seen having ownership in business ventures, especially franchises. ENDS