29 Jun 2015

Two years ago, she did not own a house, neither could she put food on the table with earnings from Ipelegeng.

However, shortly after acquiring government assistance, Dinah Motenka’s life was transformed drastically.

She now owns a catering company and has constructed a two-roomed house with some of her profit.

Prior to obtaining financial assistance from the Social and Community Development (S&CD) office under the poverty eradication initiative, Motenka worked for Ipelegeng on a rotational basis.

However, it was difficult to provide for her family during the months she was not engaged.

With limited education, it was not easy either for the 39-year-old to get permanent employment hence she relied on menial jobs to make ends meet.

The situation forced her to look up to government and would only be assisted with uniform for her school going children in addition to school fees.

However, Motenka’s problem was half solved because she was compelled to put food on the table for her family. Like any parent, she wanted her children to lead better lives and had to ensure they performed well at school.

When the poverty eradication initiative was rolled out at Radisele, she developed interest to start a catering business.

“I was taught business management, hygiene, financial management and managing customers,” she says about the training she received under the poverty eradication initiative.

After the training, the S&CD bought her a griller, table and 10 chairs, chaffing dishes, refrigerator and other utensils. She was also assisted with stock worth P3000 as startup.
Motenka recalls that after setting the business in motion some two years ago, life changed for the better.

Motenka is now focused on running her business..She is currently renting a stall at Radisele market where she sells fast foods.

Motenka also benefits from the Economic Diversification Drive and caters for attendants whenever there are workshops in Radisele.

She encourages the youth to emulate her and use assistance programmes aimed at uplifting the livelihoods of Batswana.

She says jobs are limited in Radisele, therefore, it is upon the community to set up businesses to create employment for others. Ends