25 May 2026

From a small market stall in Serowe, Mr Olekile is rescuing forgotten furniture from the trash and weaving new life into the local economy.

For Mr Akanyang Olekile, the hum of a sewing machine and the scent of fresh leather are not just parts of a job, but a family legacy. From a small market stall in Serowe, Mr Olekile is rescuing forgotten furniture from the trash and weaving new life into the local economy.

Instead of tossing out worn-out pieces, he invites clients to choose a more sustainable path to reuse, restore and reupholster to cut down on waste and save valuable resources. 

“Experience elegance in every detail, comfort tailored to clients and breathing new life into furniture where dreams become design.”

These are the guiding principles behind Mr Olekile’s craftsmanship. Born and bred in the Basimane Boiditswe Ward  in Serowe, his business, Akanyang Upholstery, is synonymous with the kind of dexterity and tailored touch that gives customers true value for their money.

Operating from the bustling central marketplace in Serowe, the business attracts people from all walks of life, all seeking to give their worn-out pieces a second chance. In an interview, the 33-year-old Serowe native explained that the craft goes far deeper than just appearances.

“It involves the process of replacing internal padding, installing springs, rebuilding webbing and finally, applying the outer fabric or leather covering for sofas, chairs and car seats,” he says.

For him, this artistry runs in the blood. He inherited the skills from his late uncle, Mr Bareetsi Olekile, whose own venture was originally funded by the Serowe District Council’s Home Economics office.

Following his uncle’s passing, the Home Economics office sought someone to continue the family legacy and the young Olekile seized the opportunity. It was a turning point that changed his life and quenched the heavy thirst of unemployment.

To hone his natural talents, he was sent for an intensive three-month training programme at Shakes and More Upholstery Company in Serowe in 2021 and the following year, he officially registered his own company and opened its doors to the public.

“Though the economy is frail, the company is successfully putting food on the table,” he adds. While navigating the unpredictable ups and downs of a new business, Akanyang Upholstery has secured major milestones.

Mr Olekile caters to both individuals and corporate clients, citing the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) in Serowe as a pillar of support. 

He has handled memorable restyling projects for WUC’s office sofas, chairs and vehicle seats. Additionally, he has doine work for six primary schools, including Mmualefe, Motalaote, Grace Kgari, Mogorosi and St. Gabriel.

Today, his clientele extends far beyond Serowe, drawing in customers from as far as the Tswapong area. This growth has allowed him to create employment not just for himself, but for another local youth sharing the same craft.

While he envisions employing more Batswana in the near future, he notes that his business remains heavily reliant on the country’s broader economic performance. “The more purchasing power people have, the more they can invest in these services,” he notes.

He works hard to keep his prices affordable, though fluctuating production costs often limit his flexibility. Pricing varies from item to item, depending on the model, size, fabric material and complexity of the design.

Yet, the future looks bright. Mr Olekile points out that with the rising costs of buying brand-new furniture from retail shops, more citizens are realising that it is far cheaper and more sentimental to give their existing furniture some facelift.

He believes Akanyang Upholstery will grow exponentially over the next five years. He remains optimistic about a domestic economic recovery, buoyed by the International Monetary Fund’s projections of stabilising global growth.

With the country’s economic growth expected to rebound to between 3.1 and 3.4 per cent as diversification efforts counter lagging diamond sales, he is ready for the tide to turn.

For now, Mr Olekile continues to market his work across the Internet and various media platforms, turning one family’s old furniture into another classic masterpiece. ENDS