Blue Crystal branded tuckshops bring hope to Lobatse vendors
Itumeleng Suping | Wednesday November 12, 2025 06:00
This initiative, carried out in partnership with the Lobatse Town Council, aims to empower local vendors and strengthen small-scale entrepreneurship in the community.
During the handover, Lobatse Mayor, Aron Mosimanegape Ganakgomo, expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, describing it as a meaningful partnership between the private sector and government towards economic inclusivity.
Ganakgomo emphasised that small businesses play a critical role in diversifying the country’s economy and therefore deserve more support, not tough restrictions. 'We have been advised that with these small businesses, we should not be too harsh with policies governing them, but rather help them in any way possible towards their efforts. When policies are harsh on them, they will fail-yet these are the same people we need to diversify the economy,’’ he noted.
The mayor further commended Blue Crystal for recognizing and supporting informal traders, who, despite harsh conditions, continue to push forward to earn a living.
‘’Had they stayed at home, blue crystal would not have recognized them. That is why they took it upon themselves to sell. This is a big gift that not only impacts 10 people, as these beneficiaries have families depending on them. Because of these branded tuck shops, they will now be able to operate even on rainy days. I urge all other companies to copy what Blue Crystal has done,’’ he added.
A representative from TongaatHullet, Thapelo Mfosi, who is the Head of Marketing, Sales, and Distribution, highlighted that the initiative was rooted in purpose and aligned with Botswana‘s Vision 2036 aspirations.
'We are gathered here today for what I term as purpose. What you do adds value to the people around you. Most of the time, we forget that brands have purpose. There is a retailer with a purpose, even blue crystal has a purpose-which is inspiring a sweet future for all,' he said.
He explained that TongaatHullet’s Growing the Sweet Future program focuses on impactful community projects. ‘’At Tongatt, we describe a sweet future as what we do that helps others, thus achieving the vision 2036 pillars,’’ he shared.
Mfosi further noted that the branded tuck-shop initiative in Lobatse is unique, as it directly supports informal traders who contribute significantly to local economies.
When asked how the beneficiaries were selected, Mfosi explained that a fair assessment process was followed in collaboration with the council. 'We came here, assessed the hawkers around the area, and gave the council 10 names that we came across while viewing the place. We used about 135000p towards these tuck-shops,’’ he noted.
Lucky Moleme, one of the beneficiaries, shared his excitement and disbelief. 'I am one of the excited people. It is my first time being assisted like this- we usually see people receiving donations from the government or other institutions, so I am happy that today I got to be one of the beneficiaries. I will take care of this tuck-shop,’’ he said.