Itsoseng entrepreneur empowered

Local Entrepreneur’s Business Flourishes with Government’s Funding Support
Tshenolo Seboletswe, the owner of a fast food eatery in Itsoseng Zone 3, has experienced a significant boost in her business after receiving catering equipment from the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism’s Empowerment Fund Programme. The assistance came at a crucial time when her business was grappling with the adverse effects of the COVID-19 lockdown and frequent power outages.

Seboletswe, who applied for funding to rescue her struggling business, expressed her gratitude for the department’s support. She believes that this assistance will not only revitalize her establishment but also have a positive impact in growing the local economy. The equipment received includes a Mobile Kitchen with a cart, a Double Barrel Slush Puppy Machine, an Ice Cream Machine, a Popcorn machine, 5 Food warmers, a Display Fridge, a Manual Donut maker, a Double Deep Fryer, 2 Sweet and Chip Shelves Serving Hatch, Cutlery, and an Oven Stove.

The business, which operates directly from Seboletswe’s home, caters to a diverse clientele. School learners, teachers, taxi drivers, and community members from Itsoseng, Verdwaal, and Bodibe areas frequent her establishment. Furthermore, she provides catering services for funerals, weddings, government functions, unveiling of tombstones, and various parties.
Seboletswe, reflecting on her journey, shared how her passion for entrepreneurship began after being retrenched from her permanent job at “The Star Bus Company” in the early 90s. Inspired by her late mother’s successful tavern, known as “Ko ga Ghost,” she started by cooking food for her mother’s clients. The positive feedback she received motivated her to establish her own food outlet, not only to support her family but also to create employment opportunities for young people in the area.
Interestingly, the national electricity crisis, commonly known as load shedding, inadvertently contributed to the growth of Seboletswe’s business. She noticed that during power outages, her clients flocked to her eatery for a hot meal. Her best-selling dish, bunny chows with chips, garnered immense popularity, and the slush puppy mocktails she prepared for weekend gigs became a hit among the younger crowd.

Seboletswe emphasized the importance of starting her day early, with preparations beginning at 4 am to cater to the needs of early morning taxi drivers and local schools.
With the department’s assistance she plans to increase production, expand customer base, and create more employment opportunities. She believes that the newly acquired equipment will add value to her business and bring her closer to realizing her dream of owning a self-sustainable catering enterprise and food outlet.
Seboletswe extended her heartfelt appreciation to the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism for their support. She expressed optimism about the future, as her business now has the potential to thrive, and serve as a source of pride for her community.
DEDECT’s Empowerment Fund was established as part of its intervention of offering support to small businesses and cooperatives operating within the North West Province with equipment worth R100 000 for start-ups and R200 000 for existing business. The fund excludes excluding those in the liquor & gambling industries, costs associated with tendering, cost of acquiring property (including renovations) constructions, fire and ammunition, primary agriculture and transport