29 Jun 2015

Phuduhudu is a Remote Area Dweller (RAD) settlement and residents continue to endure poverty thereby increasingly becoming dependent on state welfare support.

However, Letsoseng Gaolatlhe, a resident in this small village has defied the odds.

Hers is a true story of success deriving from the poverty eradication project in that she runs a relatively successful catering business.

Prior to benefitting from the poverty eradication initiatives, Gaolatlhe’s livelihood was characterised by uncertainty after losing both parents and having to feed an extended family of 18.
It was not until she got engaged in the Ipelegeng programme that she managed to build herself a one-roomed house.

Gaolatlhe happened to hear about poverty eradication projects during one kgotla meeting in the village.

She did not waste time to apply for assistance to venture into under the name Lets Beat Catering Company in 2012. It was a life changing move.

She went for a six-week training at Career Dreams in Maun. Her first tender was to provide catering services for a Chanoga poverty eradication seminar in 2013.
She used the profit to electrify her one roomed Phuduhudu house.

Gaolatlhe also used part of the profit for her wedding celebrations and bought a small fridge for the business.

“My business is really flourishing as at times I make P23 000 a month,” she adds.

Gaolatlhe says Phuduhudu is a small village and her target customers are Ipelegeng workers and the elderly during pay days.
Besides, she relies on government tenders especially from the council.

She operates from home based and describes her business as creative, fun and challenging, noting that it requires a high degree of culinary expertise as well as a endurance given the long working hours. 

She also reveals that it is imperative to be always on time and well-organised and accommodating clients’ needs. The menu offers a wide range of food.
Gaolatlhe is committed to her business and cannot imagine taking a different route.

She says it is the most rewarding business if run well, adding that “the joy you bring to the client and guests gets you through the most difficult of days”.
The young and vocal business woman has big dreams big in that she sees herself owning a fully fledged kitchen in a big restaurant if not a lodge and employing the youth.  

However, Gaolatlhe says transport is a challenge because she depends much on public transport to deliver food. She plans to buy a car before end of this year.

Another challenge she faces is lack oftenders from government departments because she has no trading licence. Gaolatlhe says only the council is supportive.

Meanwhile, Gaolatlhe praises government for coming up with such brilliant and viable packages under the poverty eradication programme. She urges other youth to tap into such packages.

Gaolatlhe also underscores the need to exercise patience, noting that most youth projects collapse due to challenges such as lack of passion, patience and commitment.
She says other youth venture into business as last resort after failing to succeed in other ventures.

Gaolatlhe also advises the youth that success of their projects is their sole responsibility, while government can only assist to a certain point.  

She says they should appreciate government efforts in assisting them and go an extra mile in ensuring that their businesses survive. Ends