05 Sep 2024

Some Chema Chema Fund beneficiaries in Maun have hailed government for recognising the meaningful role played by the informal sector in overall economic growth and job creation.

They appreciated the invaluable support from the government in random interviews saying the introduction of the Chema Chema Fund was a step in the right direction, as it has boosted their businesses.  Launched early this year, the primary goal of the Chema Chema Fund is to facilitate growth in the informal sector by providing short-term affordable loans.

 The Fund is designed to achieve financial inclusivity, targeting the informal sector businesses, which are high in number but make minimum contribution to the local economy.

Some beneficiaries said they had limited access to financial assistance and appreciated that the Chema Chema Fund loans have closed the gap and provided social protection benefits as they have been willing to expand their businesses and employ other fellow locals.

“Chema Chema Fund has made a huge difference in my business as I managed to increase materials and production. I do good quality baskets all year round, which goes a long way towards feeding and clothing my family,” said 51-year-old Ms Kushamuna Ndhao, who specialises in basket weaving.

The Etsha 1-born mother of six,  said her business was crucial towards poverty alleviation through creating jobs and reducing unemployment.

She said the business was progressing well, noting that she had extended a helping hand to impart skills to her children and other young women who saw weaving as a  source of iincome. 

 Ms Ndhao is content that with hard work, determination and the right skills and mindset, it is possible to achieve financial independence without formal education.  She narrated that she had never been to school because her interest was inheriting the indigenous knowledge and the skills from her mother who was a master weaver in the village.

While she appreciates that getting high education could lead to many job opportunities, she said it was not the only way young people could earn an income saying there were plenty of other ways to earn money without having a degree.

 Ms Ndhao revealed that her life revolved around basket-weaving, indicating that the market was lucrative as she enjoyed support from the local buyers and some international tourists who visited Maun to appreciate the famous Okavango Delta.

 She also acknowledged that the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) had played a crucial role in growing her business as the authority officials offered business advisory role, coaching and mentoring services adding that they also assisted in basic and advanced market access interventions. The authority is also charged with influencing and initiating relevant policy formulation, championing strategies and support ecosystems to improve the prowess of the SMMEs in key markets.

 Ms Ndhao challenged young people to explore opportunities availed by the government saying many people enjoyed being self-employed, which was one reason they choose to start their own business.

 She was of the view that entrepreneurs at heart had to start thinking of different products or services that might be profitable. Another beneficiary, Mr Bernard Kgomo, who specialises in carpentry and manufacturing of furniture, said he was financially challenged to buy material and the Chema Chema Fund rescued him. Although he said he applied for P46 000, he was given P14 000, which was inadequate to buy all the necessary material and other resources as he intended to purchase some machines but failed because of the low budget.

 He said he owned a workshop and he decried low market despite marketing his products through social media.

 “But I have high hopes that LEA will assist in this regard as recently they organised a flea market for us at the newly opened Mall of Maun for us to showcase showcase our products to potential clients,” he stated

 Meanwhile, the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) branch manager in Maun, Mr Edward Magosi, expressed satisfaction that some beneficiaries had started paying back the loan, which he said is a revolving fund.  A high number of people, he said, had shown interest in the Chema Chema Fund programme. He said currently their office has received about 2 260 applications, out of  which 1 777 worth over P22m ,were approved. Ends