Beating the odds with Motlopi coffee
Ivy Matlho | Monday June 29, 2015 18:04
She makes ends meet through the sale of Motlopi coffee.
The woman from Maitengwe wants to show the country that Selebi-Phikwe is not only a mining town but also has potential for other business options.
Ordinarily, motlopi or Boscia albitrunca is a fruit used to make a drink. The roots are pounded and used for making a hot drink. The fruit is also known as Cape bush or Shepherd tree.
Her dream to become a businesswoman started way back, but it was nearly shattered by life circumstances. After completing her Junior Certificate (JC) at John Nswazwi Junior Secondary School in Marapong in 1988 she worked as a cashier in different shops.
As a young person at the time she wanted to go back to school. She then decided to quit her job as a cashier and went to Assemblies of God Church where her father sponsored her to do a typing course. Fortunately for her she was able to study until intermediate level.
After completing her course she went back to work as a cashier and left the job again to work as a bus conductor. The job-hopping opened her eyes more and she decided to start her own business.
After the death of her parents, things became difficult for her. She was now faced with the challenge of taking care of her siblings.
“Starting up a business was not easy as I had to look after my siblings something, which needed me to have enough money. At that time I had none. My plans to startup a business were now impossible, as I had to work. I had to move to Mmadinare to work again as a cashier,” she explained.
Determined as she was, she then decided to turn her dream into a reality after so many years of waiting.
“I however, did not just cry and fold my arms. I started doing paper mash,” she explained.
Paper mash is one of the arts that require much time and its market is saturated. She then thought of a different product that she could manufacture. Bakgobi is one of the lucky ones who has grown under the guidance of her grandmother who gave her wisdom and knowledge of wild trees that are very useful.
“I recall that my grandmother would take me to the nearby bushes where she would dig her traditional medicine and explained to me how different trees can be used as food and medicine,” said Bakgobi.
Motlopi tree is one of those trees her grandmother used. She explained to her that its roots could also make tea. She also stated that since she realised that the paper mash business did not bring her good profits, she thought of making coffee using the motlopi tree, but did not have the courage to do so.
Fortunately for her, she was one of the women who went to the Botswana Confederation of Commerce Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM) Fair where she met another entrepreneur who was making coffee from motlopi tree.
“I wanted to turn to making coffee with motlopi, but I had fears that may be there are going to be side effects to the users. I then met one woman at BOCCIM fair who was making motlopi coffee and she boosted my confidence,” she explained.
Bakgobi was also motivated by the fact that few people are in this business. She then tried her luck in the business in 2013. She attended an exposition, which marketed her product.
“After getting a positive response from people who bought my coffee I was now motivated to take my business to the next level. I then went to different places where I marketed my products and the response was also positive,” she stated.
She indicated that her business is now known in different places and has many customers.
“I have so many customers and I cannot complain because now my business is growing and I have enough income to take care of my family,” she said.
Motlopi Coffee is used as a refreshing beverage and is also used by patients who suffer from High Blood Pressure, menstrual pains and fatigue.