A life less ordinary
Bone Prince Lekgotle | Monday November 20, 2023 06:00
I embarked on a mission to live a life that defied the ordinary. I aspired to accomplish the extraordinary and to stare down impossibility without flinching. My journey was marked not by fear but by audacity. I feared nothing and regretted even less, even when life's questions were presented at the most inconvenient moments.
With courage and grace, I answered every one of those questions and defied the odds stacked against me. However, for all my efforts, I encountered losses that surpassed my expectations. I lost friends, and at times, I even lost myself. Days were clouded with grief, disappointment, and self-doubt. My chosen path seemed harsh and unforgiving. This includes times when I was unsuccessful in my bid to own a business plot through a competitive bidding process at Tlokweng Land Board.
I was amongst the top five called for an interview but was peeled off on account of failing to demonstrate sufficient funds for the development of the potential guest house plot albeit being the youngest for the podium interview. I would endure this setback further at Malete Land Board and again at Chobe Land Board, Pandamatenga, all in 2017.
I would go on to throw my hat in the ring in 2019 at Banyana Farms where I was amongst one of the 25 young people who had endeavoured to roll the dice in a bid to own a farm in the virgin lands. Shortly after the advent of COVID-19, I would try again at Tati Land Board, Matsiloje/Motopi Farms in 2020 where I drove to Masunga and back on the same day. It was during these moments of adversity that I had to dig deep, summon my resilience, and discover meaning amidst chaos. At about the same time, I was an employer at 23 while occupying space at the landmark building of iTowers North in Gaborone’s Central Business District on the 14th Floor. This was for two and half years until I had to stop operations on account of the venture failing to reflect the spark of a going concern.
Upon my exit from iTowers, I was engulfed by debt and a natural desire to throw in the towel. From the church, where I withstood a relentless siege, to the gym, where emotional healing and growth became my allies, I found the essence of humanity. The gym is more than a place to sculpt the body; it is a sacred space where souls unite, uplift, and empower one another. Amidst the challenges I have faced in the church, my romantic relationships, and the business arena, I transformed obstacles into stepping stones.
My tireless assistance to others whether in business consultations, tax compliance, or facilitating funding opportunities, echoes my empathetic nature. I have emerged as a guiding light in the world of entrepreneurship, helping individuals, and SMMEs navigate turbulent waters.
As my romantic relationships faltered and my businesses bled money, reduced to ashes, I refused to stare down the barrel of defeat. Each day presented a fresh opportunity to rebuild myself. Through unwavering determination and wisdom, I clawed my way out of the trenches of despair. The trauma I endured in the name of business became a valuable tool for uplifting the aspirations of countless others. I used my skills, expertise, and experience in the arena of business from a young age to empower fellow entrepreneurs and business hopefuls. I helped a former schoolmate secure a competitive business plot in the Kgatleng area in 2017 that required a business management plan. I guided a young visionary in the travel and tours business to access funding through the Youth Development Fund in 2019, which also required a business plan and financial projections. I assisted a client in the health services industry in securing financial support via the Tony Elumelo Foundation in 2021 just like any submission required a business plan and projections. My expertise and experience further ensured that hundreds of SMMEs achieved tax compliance through the Integrated Tax Management System particularly e-filling through the e-services platform. These included a huge communications company in 2019 that needed filings to be done from 2012 to 2019. In addition, my company’s secretarial services division has registered over 150 businesses since the initiation of the Online Business Registration System launched by the Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) in 2019. Becoming a member of the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2017 was also a pivotal moment in my journey, but my pursuit of knowledge did not halt there.
I attained a postgraduate diploma in advanced taxation in 2016 and accumulated certifications in diverse areas, including Project Management (Prince 2) 2021, and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence 2023. I delved into the intricacies of Governance, Strategy, and Ethics through the European Business University of Luxembourg in 2023. Currently, I am on a path of academic enrichment, enrolled as a student in their Executive Bachelor's Degree Programme on a scholarship earmarked for completion early next year.
Simultaneously, I am studying the intricacies of AML/KYC/Compliance, bridging the gap between practical frameworks and theoretical foundations, both to be completed early next year through the European Business University. I offer versatile consultation services that align with the ever-evolving demands of the 21st Century client. My role as ambassador for the European Business University of Luxembourg has allowed me to connect with students worldwide, further enriching my academic journey. During times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, I have fought on the front lines, assisting small and medium-sized enterprises in securing vital funding through programmes like the wage subsidy from BURS. Even during a global crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, I showed exceptional empathy by advocating for my clients and negotiating payment holidays on their behalf with financial institutions. My clients are indeed fortunate to have me as their advocate.
My mission is to defy adversity, to push back the tide and protect the dreams of countless entrepreneurs. My role as the principal officer of Endearment Group, an upcoming logistics company and Infinite Capabilities, a consultancy firm, is a testament to my entrepreneurial spirit and leadership. My dedication to AML/KYC/Compliance Practical Framework is a testament to my commitment to upholding international standards and ethics. My ability to balance ACCA studies with my professional responsibilities showcases unwavering determination. Given the foregoing, I was appointed business development consultant for an upcoming project in the Special Economic Zone of Selebi,Phikwe – a true honour to have a remarkable opportunity to catalyse economic growth in Botswana. My vision and capabilities have earned me this significant role. My journey remains an ongoing saga, as I continue to share my insights and wisdom through opinion articles in Mmegi.
Topics such as 'How Young Entrepreneurs Can Succeed in Botswana', 'The Impact of COVID-19 on Botswana's Economy', '18 Months of SOE: Necessary or Erroneous Advice', 'Botswana Has Not Woken from Complacency Slumber', 'The Necessity of Passing Failure On The Way to Success', and 'Do's and Don'ts of Purchase Order Financing' serve as beacons of hope and empowerment for those seeking a brighter future. My life story is a compelling testament to resilience, compassion, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. I have repeatedly shown that adversity is simply a stepping stone to greater heights. My narrative is not merely ordinary; it is a masterpiece painted with the vibrant colours of resilience and success.
* Lekgotle is a Business Development Consultant, Tax Consultant, and Company Secretary. He is also the founder of business development, tax and secretarial consulting firm, Infinite Capabilities.