Sesotho Culture Inspires Lobatse Weaver
Tumelo Mouwane | Monday January 23, 2017 18:00
Pule Letshikhona (38), of Tlhareseleele is one true expression of the power of imagination. Letshikhona’s business idea is unique in the sense that he deals with manufacturing of Sesotho traditional garments. Inspired by his culture, he weaves traditional Lesotho hats, blankets and deals particularly in wooden kitchen utensils and his ability to fix electrical appliances is a plus for him.
Letshikhona operates his business in an open space in the heart of Lobatse town centre as he does not have any special operational housing neither any warehouse.
Letshikhona said he was pushed by poverty to stand on his toes and find a means of survival and he started his business 15 years ago.
“The poverty and hunger that I experienced, gave me a reason to stand up on my feet and do something to help me survive. A man has to think, so I had no option but to see what I can do. Fortunately, I have been blessed with woodwork talent. Moreover, I know how to weave crafts especially our traditional Sesotho hats.
“I started saving some coins and in 2007 I bought some basic tools that I need for crafting my wooden spoons and hats. Later on with patience, I saved more and managed to buy more raw materials to increase production.
There was totally no business when I started, because people did not get the idea of my business but with time, I started having some customers,” Letshikhona said.
Letshikhona said his 15 years’ experience in dealing with customers has earned him loyal customers who sometimes order Sesotho traditional garments in bulk.
Despite the success he has achieved thus far, he said he still needs to buy machines and secure a warehouse in the coming years.
“I really want to see this business growing in the next few years and I think I am on the right track because I have never failed to retain customers. I think that is because I have been in business for more than 15 years and I know how to handle my customers.
Ocassionally, I get orders from tourists who get attracted to my Sesotho traditional garments and order in bulk. This sometimes makes me fail to meet the demand since I am using hands.
I need machines with which I can do the job a little faster so that I can meet the demand,” he said.
Amongst other challenges that he faces, Letshikhona said availability of his raw materials is seasonal while some customers make orders and fail to collect their goods which becomes a loss on his side.