Finance and Development Planning Minister, Baledzi Gaolathe, praised Sechaba Breweries for its efforts to try to encourage budding entrepreneurs through its scheme code – named Kick Start.
The scheme has been on for five years running and the management of KBL and BBL vowed Thursday evening that it would continue despite the government’s alcohol levy, which have seen volumes shrinking.
“This is one of the ways in which KBL/BBL’s responsiveness to challenges facing our nation. We have bright young Batswana who have realized their dreams of owning their own businesses. Despite the flagging volumes because of the alcohol levy, we will continue with the programme,” KBL/ BBL Managing Director, Hloli Matsela, said, adding that Kickstart has made its way into Batswana’s lives.
The scheme has a success rate of 83 percent and has largely contributed to employment creation and managerial skill development in the country.
“Kickstart will be taken into good faith given that they contribute to the economy. This is part of KBL of extending their helping hand wherever is needed. They have done that with HIV/AIDS, entrepreneurial skills and sport development,” Gaolathe said.
“Our commitment as government is how KBL/ BBL can continue to operate efficiently and meeting their commercial objective and at the same time meeting the needs of the society,” he added.
The minister praised Kickstart for kicking in the much needed job creation, upscaling of service delivery and wealth creation to the nation.
“This shows that young, young people of Botswana when given guidance can play a meaningful role,” he said.
He further stated that government, as the biggest player in the economy of the country, will continue to play a bigger role, especially during a very critical time like this one.
The companies that won Kickstart for this year were JonMol Bicycle Services netting P 62 000, Endless Candles and Things at P 57 000, Khoisan Design P 66 000 and Step Ahead Saloon P 35 000. All of them are saying they are looking to expanding.
The competition is open to people and businesses looking to expand but run by people between the ages of 18 and 30 years.
