27 Feb 2014

The chronology of his life is a living testimony of a victorious person against the tough battles of life.

His dream of becoming a mechanical engineer failed reality test due to his underperformance in General Certificate of Secondary Education back in 2003. Subsequently, the relationship between him and his family went sour because of his wayward behavior by then.

He was rejected, consumed with grief, perhaps wondering how he will live without the support of the family members but with faith, determination and the will to change, he eventually turned his life around.

But the 29-year-old Mr Ontebetse Kgogobane of Kang eventually swallowed his pride and joined the British Petroleum (BP) Filling Station as petrol attendant. He later left the job in 2005 and tried his luck at Matsheng Brigade where he pursued Auto Mechanics. Unfortunately he abandoned his studies because of lack of funds.

After unsuccessful attempts in numerous areas, Mr Kgogobane had to think critically and came up with a new idea which transformed his life. He resorted to business and applied for Youth Development Fund but was rejected. He collaborated with a certain businessman who was well established in metal work. His mission was to gain experience and move on.

“I was totally obedient to him because of the vast experience I wanted to copy from him”, he explained. After some encouragement from his fiancée, he decided to take the plunge and start his own business which traded by the name Sky Welding and Tyre Services and rented a space at Rainbow Complex near Lehututu Post Office by then.

He managed to buy his own machines used in welding and tyre service through the help of a Good Samaritan who was his classmate during schooling days. As a new entrepreneur and not established he had to vacate the complex due to exorbitant rental fees.

The high rental fees did mot detour his passion for business as he relocated to the old Rural Area Dwellings (RAD) Hostel in Lehututu and ventured in a business that specialised in funeral shades, window bucklers, tyre repairs and other welding services. Mr Kgogobane is happy man now, his business earns him a living and he can now take care of his two sons and his fiancée.

He also saves some profit portion for future use. The Kang–born entrepreneur is confident that disciple, perseverance and good customer care has made his business to prevail in adverse economic times.

However, every business has its own challenges and Sky Welding and Tyre Service is no exception as lack of electricity and shade at the RAD`s Hostel are causing huge inconvenience more especially during rain seasons. “Another problem is creditors who want to be followed in order to pay their debts”, he said.

The youth entrepreneur is optimistic for greater things in his business endeavor. He said through his saving he was planning to buy a company car and he was awaiting a response from land board authority for an industrial plot he applied for last year.

He advised the youth who want to go into business to research the industries that they wanted to go into and to surround themselves with positive energies. Furthermore, he said they must have mentors in their respective industries.

Mr Kgogobane last shot is that there is always a U-turn in life. Youth should not despair when encountering some hiccups in life, waywardness and other bad behavior can be overcome when there is a will-power for change. ENDS