From lab leader to manufacturer: Seisa's quest for change

Chakalisa Dube | Monday March 25, 2024 14:20

 

In total, Seisa worked in government laboratories for 20-years.

The 49-year old founded Divine Call Investment (DCI) Pty Ltd, trading as Divine Medicinal Solution (DIMSOL). The business,s which manufactures medical devices, operates at the Selebi-Phikwe industrial site. CEDA disbursed funds for the business in 2020, but its operations were delayed by challenges in procuring machinery and efforts to meet regulatory frameworks set up by BOMRA. Operations then started in May 2023.

His diverse background as a Business Consultant, Medical Technologist, and Accountant provided the perfect foundation for this ambitious venture. "Every journey begins with a single step," Seisa remarked, echoing his unwavering determination to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. At the moment, DIMSOL specialises in Vacuum Blood Collection Tubes (VBCTs) and is considered a beacon of innovation in the region.

"We are not just manufacturers; we are pioneers of change," he declared, emphasising the company's commitment to quality and precision in every aspect of production. Seisa outlined an ambitious strategy spanning four phases, with plans to manufacture a range of medical equipment including needles, syringes, urine containers, catheters, blood transfusion containers, hospital beds, and wheelchairs. “We are in the first phase of our strategy. The second phase will see us venturing into manufacturing needles and syringes. On the third phase we will be manufacturing urine containers, catheters, and blood transfusion containers.

On the last phase we will manufacture hospital beds and wheelchairs,” he said. However, Seisa's journey has not been without challenges. Despite government incentives aimed at attracting investors to the SPEDU region, including favourable corporate tax rates and a 30% government off-take agreement, DIMSOL faces hurdles in gaining traction. "We settled in Phikwe hoping to capitalise on government incentives, but we've encountered obstacles," Seisa lamented. "Despite our high-quality products, we face stiff competition from imported alternatives.

The promised 30% government off-take has yet to materialise as well, and our cash flow suffers as a result," he noted. Seeking support from various government ministries and agencies such as the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), to protect them from imports alternatives, Seisa remains optimistic about the future. With a monthly production capacity of 1.3 million tubes, DIMSOL can match the country’s monthly demand and make a significant impact on the region's economy.

As he reflected on his journey from laboratory leader to entrepreneur, he remains steadfast in his belief that with innovation and perseverance, DIMSOL will turn into a market leader in medical device manufacturing industry. In the face of adversity, Seisa's story also serves as a testament to the power of ambition, dedication, and unwavering belief in the transformative potential of local enterprise.