Africa-Press – Botswana. For Ms Same Makwati, a 41-year-old entrepreneur and mother, the dream of growing her milling business is becoming increasingly urgent.
Operating from Selebi Phikwe but originally from Mmadinare, Makwati is facing challenges as she works to expand her business despite limited resources. Trading under the brand Sameline, she has much to offer but is currently held back by financial constraints. Despite her active membership in the Botswana Exporters and Manufacturer Association (BEMA) and her dedication to the milling industry, Ms Makwati finds herself at a crossroads.
“If money was not a big issue, I could be far ahead with my business.”
Two years ago, she embarked on this venture powered by passion and a deep-rooted desire to elevate local milling – yet now, she pleads for sponsors who can help her buy local grain during the crucial harvesting season. Currently, Ms Makwati sources her grains from the Botswana Marketing Board (BAMB) and nearby Pandamatenga farms, but importing from South Africa and Zambia proves costly.
“This is why I urgently need cash to capitalise on the local harvest while awaiting my CEDA loan approval, which is uncertain at this point,” said Ms Makwati.
As she navigates the financial labyrinth, Ms Makwati’s goals extend beyond merely sustaining her business. She envisions an international presence for her products. Her aspirations include branding, packaging and expanding her product line, in an effort to reach a wider market.
At a recent BEMA meeting in Francistown, Ms Makwati’s passionate plea for support resonated with other members. She boldly articulated her vision for Sameline, captivating her audience with both her determination and unwavering belief that her products will grace shelves internationally.
Sameline, a nod to her first name and infused with a meaningful Setswana interpretation, is not just another milling operation. It symbolises Ms Makwati’s journey and her commitment to empowering women in business. Having invested nearly P200,000 of her own savings into her enterprise, including the purchase of milling machines, she knows she needed to sacrifices in order for the business to thrive.
“While I currently serve local customers, I dream of taking my products beyond our district and even abroad,” she declares.
Ms Makwati also encourages other women to seize opportunities and become their own bosses, breaking free from dependence.
“Being a female-headed family like mine should not deter you. It is all about resilience. Passion is what should drive you,” she insists.
Sameline operates under established agricultural practices inherited from her parents, who were subsistence farmers. The company has grown from humble beginnings, now incorporating services in milling and packaging, including a variety of flour and animal feed products.
The management structure reinforces her business acumen; with a Diploma in Accounting and Business Studies from the University of Botswana, Ms Makwati’s career has spanned various organisations, empowering her with knowledge that she now channels into her enterprise.
As she seeks sponsors to tackle immediate financial hurdles and grow Sameline into an internationally recognised brand, Makwati stands as an example for aspiring female entrepreneurs. Her story is not just about receiving help, it is about building a legacy of self-sufficiency, empowerment and community contribution.
In her words, “One day, my products will be seen in other countries.”
It is a clarion call for local businesses and investors to join her journey and help her make the dream a reality, because passion, when paired with opportunity, can flourish into extraordinary enterprises.
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