Duo bootstraps into success
Tuesday, May 31, 2022 | 290 Views |
Duo Boostraps into success
According to Gobonetse, it was during COVID-19 demand for washing basins for schools that they decided to take advantage of the opportunity and started their own company. “We decided to quit our job and start our own company because we already had the experience, as we had worked as fibreglass engineers. Our plan was to supply the councils with washing basins for primary schools,” he said. The duo then rented a warehouse in Boatle where they built a temporary structure, procured materials, and started their journey. Despite producing quality products, their plans were disrupted as they had to register the business first and acquire a trading licence. “We then approached Local Enterprise Authority which then gave us an operating space in Gaborone at one of their incubation spaces.
They also assisted us to acquire the licence, which opened doors for us as we managed to supply washing basins and later expanded our business by producing toilet seats, bathtubs, and other fibre products,” he said. Currently, they supply hardware outlets like Builders World in Mogoditshane and Molepolole, as well as Hyper Home, Plumb World, small hardware outlets, and individuals. “At first the reception was slow but we are happy with the progress as requests have started flooding in. We market our business on social media through Facebook and Twitter. We also rely on 'word of mouth',” he said.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...