06 Oct 2015

Despite life not being kind to him, he never threw in the towel. Instead, 30-year-old Morris Matopi of Mulambakwena, just 3km away from Masunga, worked hard to make his dreams come true. 

Matopi yearned to own a tailoring businessso that he becomes his own boss. And truly so, he can now testify that his never say die spirit coupled with patience, finally paid off.

He indicated in an interview recently that before he opened his tailoring and dressmaking business, he went through hardships. However, such made him strong and propelled him to keep on pushing hard.

After failing to complete his studies, he says he struggled until he found a job as a tailor at Francistown Knitters in 2008. Towards the end of the year, he quit to work in Kasane, again as a tailor until 2010.

Matopi adds that through the journey, he saved some money to buy a sewing machine, which he eventually did in 2012. 

He also states that the same year, he returned home where he worked on the idea of investing his savings to open Matopi’s Tailoring and Dress Making business.

Initially, business was not good due to lack of a market. However, endurance kept him going.

In 2012, the Youth Development Fund (YDF) met him half way with a P49 000 loan, which he used to buy all the necessary equipment he needed.

He says since then, his life has changed for the better given he can now provide for his daughter. 

“The business is now doing well. I found a perfect spot for my business and it is in the public eye, everything is going on well and I am happy that now I am living my dream,” he reckons.

Matopi says he is concerned the youth are reluctant to make a living for themselves. 

He says manpower is a bit of a challenge since he only relies on one employee besides that youth do not want to work even though a lot of them are roaming the streets.  “Life can be challenging especially when you are unemployed. I have been through that path, you will need money to buy this and that, therefore I am willing to assist any youth out there,” says Matopi.

His only employee, 23-year-old Mbakiso Mokgethi of Letsholathebe, indicates how grateful she is to have met Matopi who tremendously transformed her life. 

Mokgethi, who started her work at Matopi’s Tailoring and Dressmaking in May last year, says she is now able to take care of her four-year-old daughter. She is confident that she can now afford to send her to pre-school.

Mokgethi states that she is grateful that Matopi taught her how to sew and advises other youth to stand up for themselves and make a difference in their lives. Ends