Local Entrepreneur Turns Waste into Opportunity Amidst Challenges in Old Naledi

Local Entrepreneur Turns Waste into Opportunity Amidst Challenges in Old Naledi. In Old Naledi, Dimpho Sepatela is proving that creativity and determination can transform simple ideas into sustainable livelihoods. Sepatela has built a small enterprise that repurposes discarded pallets and tyres into functional items, providing both income for his family and environmental benefits for the community. Yet, despite his ingenuity, structural challenges continue to threaten the growth of his venture.

Sepatela collects used pallets and tyres and turns them into items that serve practical purposes for everyday use. His work has gained attention locally, but the absence of a dedicated storage facility exposes both raw materials and finished products to damage, particularly during the rainy season. This limitation reduces production capacity, affects product quality, and interrupts the consistency of supply, creating hurdles for a business eager to grow.

Access to finance remains another significant barrier. Operating informally has restricted his ability to secure funding that could enable him to expand operations, acquire better equipment, and improve working conditions. Sepatela’s long-term vision is to formalise his business with Botswana’s Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA). This step, he believes, will increase production output and allow him to hire more community members, contributing to local economic development.

Financial institutions have suggested collaboration with other local artisans or forming a cooperative as a pathway to formalisation. Such an approach could make him eligible for grants and loans, enabling a transition from small-scale survival trading to a structured, scalable enterprise with long-term prospects.

Despite the challenges, Sepatela remains committed to his work, balancing entrepreneurship with environmental responsibility. His venture not only sustains his family but also demonstrates the potential of recycling initiatives to create income and impact communities. For residents of Old Naledi, his story serves as an inspiring example of resilience, creativity, and the determination required to turn everyday waste into opportunity.