28 Jul 2024

Twenty groups participating in the business ideas pitching initiative known as Thorn Pitching have been praised for creative concepts aimed at boosting the local economy and generating employment opportunities.

Mr Itumeleng Kelebetseng, Chairperson of the North West District Council, lauded the groups hailing from various villages in the North West region for their ingenuity, urging them to actualise their ideas for personal and community development.

The commendation was delivered in Maun on Friday during a motivational session for the groups as part of the preparations for the upcoming one-year anniversary of the mindset change campaign scheduled to take place in Seronga on August 14.

The initiative, focused on tapping into local insights and creativity at the ward level within each village, aimed to identify the top five business ideas to be presented during the commemoration event.

Mr Kelebetseng acknowledged the groups for proposing viable and sustainable business ideas that catered to local needs and capitalised on community strengths, aligned with objectives of the mindset change concept.

Mr Kelebetseng encouraged a positive shift in mindset and challenged the groups to seize economic opportunities by seeking support from funding institutions to bring their projects to fruition, noting that many groups planned to utilise natural resources and waste materials in their ventures.

Deputy District Commissioner, Mr Ramogaupi Gaborekwe, shared the sentiment, commending the groups for their well-thought-out proposals that promised benefits for both the individuals and the larger communities. He highlighted the need to nurture creativity and innovation in projects to yield tangible outcomes, underscoring the significance of mindset change in fostering successful entrepreneurship.

The top five groups selected from the competition were Sexaxa Aquaponics, Gokwee Tsoo, Matlapana Beach Group, Phuduhudu Cultural Village group and Lenaka Design, each showcasing promise in their respective business ideas.

Ms Boitshwarelo Rapebana, a senior district officer, said the objective was to inspire a shift in mindset and cultivate creativity among groups, emphasizing the role of parents in instilling an entrepreneurial spirit in the youth. to combat unemployment and foster self-reliance. Ends