26 Apr 2023

Small business operators are ready to take advantage of the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix taking place at the National Stadium on Saturday

During random interviews, some small business operators indicated that they were aware of the event and were ready to serve.

Even though the event is all about athletics, other small scale businesses would be awaiting on the sidelines to take advantage of the event, amongst them public transporters.

Mr Olebile Koko, 41, from Molepolole who operates the Broadhurst Route Two mini bus indicated that they would be ready should there be an influx of customers.

“We have long heard about this event and to be honest with you, we have handled many such as this one.

The National Stadium hosts many major events such as concerts, all-night church crusades and games, and we have always transported commuters seamlessly,” he said.

Mr Koko said that they normally resume duty as early as 4am, while knocking off was determined by movement of commuters, which he said was normally between 9pm and 10 pm.

“Moreover, we never mind working the whole night if the need arises, and for this event we would do the same,” he said.

Profit wise, Mr Koko said they expect to make a bit more than their normal profit, even though he was cagey when asked about the average profits for a normal day.

His colleague, who is also the route manager, Mr Bathusi Tshwaane of Modipane also gave an assurance to commuters that they would be ready, more so that they had been aware of the event for some time.

“We will ensure that the transportation flows such that fans would not miss the activities. We are also hopeful of making some profit because with about 105 combis in our route, we don’t normally make much,” he said, indicating that on a normal day one combi can make just three loads the whole day.

Meanwhile, taxi operators have also indicated that they were eagerly waiting to assist.

One operator, Ms Gobusamang Gaitsiwe from Nshakashogwe said that even though she did not know much about the event, she was ready if her services would be required beyond normal.

“I have been off duty for some time as I didn’t have a vehicle and only came to work yesterday, hence I missed the updates on the event. Nonetheless, my vehicle is always ready and clean,” she said.

Ms Gaitsiwe however, complained about unlicensed operators whom they term mechoba, saying that they often surfaced when there were major events, thereby stealing profits from licensed operators.

“We just hope that the police would be on the alert to ensure that they do not steal our day,” she concluded, before her colleagues summoned her as it was her turn to load. ENDS