EX-Convict Turns Successful Tailor
Lindiwe Mozola | Monday March 6, 2017 18:00
To most it would seem life was over as hope and ambition would pass one by and one would never be able to escape the stigma of their criminal record.
But Bofentse, former Security Systems employee, did not allow himself to fall victim to circumstances. While in prison he was determined to prepare for his life outside prison. He would then dedicate his time learning upholstery, dressmaking, carpentry and welding.
He said: “I knew that if I do not prepare for my life in prison from opportunities that the government gives to us it would be hard for me to sustain my life after prison as it would be almost impossible to find a job due to stigmatisation.
Therefore I worked very hard and took studies offered at prison which include dressmaking, upholstery, carpentry and wielding, among others”.
Bofentse was released in 2014 and that is when he started planning for his business, Boitemogelo Tailor that he started from scratch.
The business kick started in 2015, but due to insufficient funds it struggled to gain momentum. However, he says giving up was not part of his plan and he was determined not to go back to his old life of crime.
He said when such thoughts played around with his emotions, he would kneel down and take it to the Lord in prayer and his faith managed to pull him through during those trying times.
He would later on in 2016 get funding from the then Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture (MYSEC) to boost his suffering business.
“This was the peak point of my now flourishing business. MYSEC funded me to the tune of P100,000. With the right advice from the right people I utilised the funds the best way and bought all the necessary tools for my business,” he added.
Boitemogelo Tailor does dressmaking, upholstery, designing of chairs such as wedding chairs, stools, and couches, also wielding and carpentry.
Although his future is promising in the tailoring business, Bofentse encounters some challenges like any other business such as competing with other stores like the Chinese shops that often sell their products at a cheaper price preferred by many customers.
He also said operating from home with limited space constrains his production. He says he has long applied for a plot from the Land Board but it is proving to be difficult, as he never got a response.
He also wishes to create employment for the youth. Currently, he has a complement of four young employees.