Primarily, they provide support services to information technology users. This includes providing technical advice and support to help clients effectively use computer software and hardware.
This career path is more rewarding than any other profession according to Kagiso Beleme, a 26 year-old self-employed IT technician for U and IT (PTY) LTD. “There are a lot of opportunities for creativity,” he says.
“I repair computers and install soft and hardware. My passion is particularly in networking, which is the linking of computers with other machines such as printers and scanners,” he says.
Individuals and point of sale shops are his clients. “Soon I will be applying for government tenders.”
Because of his unparalleled passion for computers, Beleme’s career path has been easy. At Gaborone Secondary School (GSS), computers were reserved for teachers only. “All students had an interest in these gadgets. We all wanted to be seen eyeballing (sic) computer monitors and looking important,” he says. After completing his Cambridge in 1999, Beleme began realising his dream, when the IT Unit of the Department of Roads Transport and Safety temporarily hired him - for two years. There, a colleague introduced him to the world of information technology. “Samuel Nkomba made IT appear simple and interesting”. This built Beleme’s momentum. He then enrolled for a Damelin Diploma in Personal Computer (PC) support services and graduated with an internationally recognized certificate known as A+ and N+, a networking certificate in 2001. After qualifying, Beleme worked with Bytes Technology Group as an IT technician for one year. Determined to develop, he then joined another IT company in 2003 called Ultimate Solutions. Beleme is not hesitant to take risks. In March 2005 he left a paying job and decided to form his IT Company. “The industry is packed with surprises and action”.
He does not regret choosing IT as his ultimate career and says that he is overwhelmed by clients even though his company is only a few months old. He spends a significant amount of time repairing computers for individuals and big companies. He is also a specialist in detecting and removing viruses from computers.
Beleme says he also provides IT support and technical advice to clients. “This helps develop trust between me and my clients”.
Though he admits that his career path has been a ‘bed of roses’, he laments that sometimes it is “not that easy”.
“It requires patience and tolerance coupled with the right communication skills to keep clients satisfied,” he says, adding that he has learnt to deal with people of different characters and professions.
Molepolole born Beleme says he treats his clients delicately. “Customers are always right”. He adds that even when they are wrong, it is not his duty to prove them wrong. He says he gives them the utmost attention whenever they make complaints. “Monna batho ba ke tshela ka bone” (I depend on these people (clients) for a living), he says humbly.
What does it take to become a renowned IT technician? “Exposure”, he says simply. He however notes that qualifications do matter only as a pre-requisite for recognition.
Beleme says his dedication and love for the job defeats situations that would make his job hectic and strenuous. “I love this job so I never struggle to meet dead lines”. He further confesses that the IT business has not been ventured into by many Batswana, especially youth in spite of governments’ support to empower them. “The youth should know that the IT industry is unsaturated. Technology is invading Botswana, but we are not taking advantage of it,” he says. His mission is to bridge the communication gap.
“I will never abandon IT in my life”. Beleme says he wants to develop his business and run a multimedia studio in future.
