Volume 65 December 2026-January 2026 : Business

 

Despite his hearing and speech impairment, never mind lack of education, Badiri Gaolaolwe leads a typical life almost devoid of any hitches. Humble and energetic as he is, Gaolaolwe is passionate about small stock farming.

And being the hard worker he is, the 30-year-old resident of Tsetseng village in the Kweneng District, is today the proud owner of almost 100 but 95 goats to be precise, a feat that demonstrates that disability is not inability.

Born the third of four children, Gaolaolwe tells Kutlwano in an interview at Marupi farms that he owes his success to his family.

“My family has been supportive, and they are my pillar without whom I wouldn’t be where I am today.” In fact, this is undeniable as his nephew, Kamogelo, is by his side to assist with interpretation.

The young man’s passion about small stock farming dates back to his days as a small boy when he used to shepard the family goats, sheep, and cattle. That was when he still lived at the lands with his parents, and when looking after goats, sheep, and cattle was a passage of rite for young boys.

As a good shepard, Gaolaolwe says he would always be worried whenever one of his father’s lambs went missing. Besides being obliged, losing a member of the livestock in those days could only mean one thing - a heavy beating from parents.

Since benefiting goats from LIMID - one of government’s economic empowerment programmes - in November 2008, the young man says he now fully understands the meaning of government’s poverty eradication cause.

“I started off with 20 goats, and managed to take care of them until the numbers grew as you can see today,” he says, before praising God for always being there every time he needed him. “Through prayers and faith I am a prosperous man today,” he says proudly.

While goats are still the only focus for his livelihood, Gaolaolwe says with time he will add another project which he is still thinking about.

Of cause there are challenges. “Yes, I encounter a number of problems and challenges just like any other business operator,” he says, adding that animal diseases such as foot rot, heart water, and anthrax, are among the most troublesome.

Applause must go to the Ministry of Agriculture officials who usually visit and provide farmers like Gaolaolwe with medicines and vaccinations. He says predator animals such as jackals are another source of trouble as they often kill and eat his goats. He is thus forced to be always with them during grazing time.

Gaolaolwe wants other young people to emulate him: “If wishes were horses I would change people’s mindset and make them see the importance of these programmes,” he says, adding that were Batswana to unite, love and support each other, then the sky is the limit.

He says opportunities come and go. As such, people must be concerned and work for their future and stop blaming someone for their failures.

“I still believe that if beneficiaries of these government programmes can come together and form cooperative societies, and sell our products, together we can easily penetrate lucrative markets anywhere,” he opines.

Gaolaolwe also reckons life would be such a bliss were Batswana to treat things seriously as well as love themselves. ENDS

 

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