Entrepreneur Makes A Living Through Welding
Chakalisa Dube | Monday November 20, 2017 17:44
After exploring options, Alberts chose to go into business, focusing on welding, as he felt that it was the most suitable platform that could help him fulfill his dream of changing other people lives.
Alberts is the sole owner of Meta Mania, a fledging business that manufactures cattle rails, kraals, bull bars, camp chairs, car pots and palisade fencing. He maintains that his products are unique, which has allowed him to penetrate the saturated welding and fabrication industry.
“When you are in business you effect positive change through serving your clients. You also effect positive change by employing many people,” said Alberts whose business operates at the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) incubators at the Francistown light industrial area.
He said his ultimate goal is to grow his business and effect positive change on the lives of many people through creating employment and provision of services.
His main clients are individuals, most notably farmers. “Since my business opened in 2015 I have manufactured various types of kraals, cattle rails and palisade fences for many farmers. I have even done a lot of works for many established farmers in the Pandamatenga area,” he said.
Alberts was funded by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development through the Youth Development Fund.
“I was funded with money amounting to P100,000. The grant was approved in December 2014 and I started operations early in 2015. Most of the funds were used to buy equipment,” he said.
Metal Mania currently has a staff compliment of three people. Interestingly, Alberts has never undergone formal training in line with his venture.
“I have worked for a welding and fabrication company before, and I acquired experience that enabled me to start my business. I have also hired qualified welders to help me effectively operate the business,” he said.
At the moment, the business does not have many challenges according to Alberts.
“My only worry is that next year when I leave the LEA incubators I may not find a suitable place to operate my business because of high rental prices. If I do not find a suitable space the business may struggle.”
Alberts, who hails from Mahalapye mostly, sources his material from Gaborone and within Francistown. He encourages the youth who want to go into business to persevere.
“They have to persevere because there are many processes that one has to go through in order to venture into business.
Some of these processes can be demoralising, but if they (youth) maintain the focus and hard work, their effort will pay off in the end,” he said.