New Choppies store brings hope for Youth
05 Feb 2026
Botswana has long struggled with a high unemployment rate, particularly affecting the youth, especially graduates who had high hopes after obtaining their qualifications. Although various youth programmes and self-empowerment initiatives were launched, the sounds of unemployment still echoed throughout the nation.
As survival skills became essential, the concept of hustling increased on the streets, with many engaging in selling items like ice cream, popcorn, and snacks at roadside stalls, as well as perfumes and other goods around offices.
In some areas, traditional practices like ‘go tshwarwa ga phane,’ once solely performed by the elderly, saw an influx of young people participating.
The number of young Batswana working as house helpers or maids roles commonly done by foreigners also rose significantly. These changes emerged from rising living costs and the burdens placed on parents, leading many to adopt hustling as a necessary means of survival.
In response to the government’s call for collaboration from the private sector to tackle this pressing issue, Choppies, a major retail chain with about 107 stores nationwide and over 13 000 employees mostly youth, women, and individuals with disabilities stepped up significantly.
The recent opening of a store in Francistown at Gerald Estates brought hope to individuals like Ms Bomo Reetsang, who was offered a cashier position, which felt like a beacon of hope during difficult times.
Ms Reetsang, a 34-year-old mother of four, had endured 15 years of struggle filled with side jobs and waiting for her chance to break through. Balancing multiple jobs like doing laundry for cash and selling phane made life challenging. However, her new role at Choppies promises to ease her burdens and ensure her family’s needs will be met consistently.
With this job opportunity Ms Reetsang will now have a steady income, which will enable her to provide for her kids, and now has a place of work which has put an end to her wandering about everyday in search of odd jobs. It is a chance to breathe easier while building a better future.
Ms Reetsang aims to enhance her financial skills and make wise use of her salary while avoiding unnecessary expenditures.
“I plan to utilise metshelo wisely. It will help me manage my responsibilities. I intend to save so that I won’t face difficulties during tough times,” she shared.
To maintain her job security, she prioritises excellent customer service. She is committed to ensuring that customers leave Choppies satisfied and eager to return.
“It’s crucial to keep our customers happy. As an employee, I must treat them well and ensure they receive appropriate assistance during their shopping experience,” she expressed joyfully.
“It’s crucial to keep our customers happy. As an employee, I must treat them well and ensure they receive appropriate assistance during their shopping experience,” she expressed joyfully.
Grateful for her opportunity, Ms Reetsang encourages her colleagues to uphold high customer service standards. “Given the high unemployment rate, I believe that anyone granted such an opportunity must take their job seriously and fulfil their responsibilities diligently,” she emphasised.
For those still seeking employment, Ms Reetsang believes that delays do not equate to denial.
“Keep pushing forward, continue with side jobs instead of sitting idle. God has a good plan for all of us; it may take time but eventually your opportunity will come. I am currently celebrating my chance with Choppies after so many years,” she advised kindly.
For 21-year-old Mr Nchidzi Motswaiso, receiving a position as a trolley marshal is an incredible development in his life.
Having depended on his mother and siblings until now, Mr Motswaiso is excited about being able to buy things for himself, which brings him immense pride.
“My mother and siblings have been very supportive. I am truly grateful to Choppies for this opportunity; it’s my time to become independent,” he said with a smile.
Despite his youth, Mr Motswaiso has ambitious plans for the future. “With the salary I will earn, my goal is to continue my studies. This job is very important for me and will be incredibly beneficial,” he explained.
Choppies Gerald Estates was officially inaugurated by Francistown West Member of Parliament Mr Ignitius Moswaane on January 30.
The store has created 70 job opportunities primarily for residents of Francistown. The establishment is expected to provide community benefits by enhancing convenience and accessibility for local residents’ daily needs. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Kelebogile Taolo
Location : FRANCISTOWN
Event : Interview
Date : 05 Feb 2026
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