11 Sep 2014

The passing away of her husband in 2007 was a tragic blow for Ms Grace Jaba and her 10 children, as it left them both emotionally and financially drained. 
But that did not completely dampen her spirits as it made her fight on.

Her husband was the sole breadwinner of the family and when he passed on, Ms Jaba and her children, who were much younger by then, were left with nothing to fend for themselves. 


Ms Jaba, now aged 42, completed her standard seven in 1984 and got married in 1990 while still a young girl. She never had a chance to enroll back to school because her family was financially challenged. 


She said her not being educated did not depress her, but rather motivated her to stand up and improve her family’s economic status.

“Women carry their family burdens on their shoulders every day and are still able to face the world with a smile. I realized that I have to apply my mind and make use of my capabilities to make ends meet”, she added.
She had the responsibility of ensuring her children pay schools fees and eat every day despite the situation they faced.  In 2008, she secured a job as a maid for three years and earned P1000 per month.

She worked for some white people who were from South Africa and were working in Botswana.
 When their contract came to an end, life became more unbearable for Ms Jaba as she was forced to find other means to feed her children and take care of their other needs.

She made attempts at every opportunity that could help her family live a better life.
 Ms Jaba started selling sweets and airtime in front of the Department of Information Services offices as it was strategically placed.

Although the proceeds were inadequate to cater for the needs of her large family, she was happy that she could put bread on the table everyday.


She also enrolled in the Ipelegeng programme to augment her income. In the morning, she went to work at Ipelegeng and when she knocks off around 1200hrs, she goes to her business of selling sweets and airtime.


She learned about government’s poverty eradication programmes during a kgotla meeting at her home village of Matsaudi, and immediately registered for the alternative packages.

“I was successful and managed to attend the poverty eradication pitso in Chanoga last year”, she added.
With a smile, Ms Jaba says she qualified for assistance and was selected for training in sewing as she had little knowledge in the field.

The training was meant to equip her with knowledge. In February this year, the North West District Council organized a one week seminar for her and others at the Red Cross to equip them with skills in business management.
Ms Jaba pointed out that she received her equipment in March this year.


That was the beginning of the end of her troubles.“I never looked back ever since, and today I operate a successful sewing business at my house in Matsaudi from which I produce products such as school uniforms, mateisi, fashion hand bags that I sell to locals and schools. 


Since she started operation, her business is doing wonders as people place orders and she also sells at the mall and in offices. She is now able to provide for her children. 
Ms Jaba encourages fellow Batswana who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances to seek assistance from social welfare department. Ends