SEFALANA HOSTS SUCCESSFUL MOTSHELO TRADE SHOW IN F/TOWN
Sefalana’s annual Motshelo Trade Show continues to grow in leaps and bounds, as witnessed by an impressive turn-up at this year’s Francistown session, held at the Civic Centre on Saturday, 7 October.
Different groups from the Greater Francistown area came together under one roof to have a face-to-face interaction with suppliers, and get vital first-hand information on the latest products in the market. Motshelo is a concept that started in South Africa in the early 1920s, popularly known as stokvels. Initially members traded with domestic animals, until the practice ultimately grew into an industry worth R45 billion per year. In Botswana, the industry is now estimated to be worth around P500 million a year. Under the Motshelo concept, members contribute money monthly, and after a certain period they share the dividends accrued. This type of communal fund is popular across Africa as a form of micro finance. They provide an informal means for group members to securely save and access their own money, and gain some limited access to credit. Giving an overview of the event, Sefalana Marketing Executive, Reggie Klinck said the Trade Show is important to bring broader knowledge of products to consumers. Klinck reminded Motshelo members that Sefalana has opened its doors to do business with local traders. “If you’re into farming get in contact with Sefalana staff, because we need your produce in our shops. This is your shop, Sefalana sa rona,” Klinck declared. The Marketing Executive further advised against buying in bulk, which he said leads to a lot of wastage, especially in Summer as consumables eventually expire in the heat. He said to make life easier for their clients, Sefalana have come up with a tailormade programme perfect for their shopping. “We’ve a Motshelo account where you can keep your money. You don’t have to clean out the account in one purchase. You can buy shopping vouchers, just enough for what you need at that particular time,” he explained, adding the vouchers also ensure that each member buys what they prefer instead of what the group wants. “Sefalana shopping vouchers gives you freedom to buy what you want and when you want to do your shopping,”klinck said. Suppliers like Clover Botswana, Nestle, CA Sales, Reckeit Benkisser, PST, Bolux Group, Food Botswana, Safari Distributors, Bokomo, The Beverage Company and Parmalat all had stalls at show. 6. THE DETTOL BRAND: Unopa
Mbenge from PST 7. - 8. CONNECTED: A Mascom official gifting members with brand new phones 9. Q&A SESSION: Motshelo members
fielding questions 10. ATTENTIVE: Some of the members
following proceedings
1. TOP TABLE: None Food Manager Elijah Vinte and Retail Development Manager, Paul Ramoloi 2. SAFARI DISTRIBUTOR: Raditsebe
Mankakabo 3. ITEKENG TUCKSHOP OWNER:
Lungi Eluya 4. TASTE OF PRIDE: Hawkers trying
out some new products 5. GIFTS GALORE: Suppliers
handing out their products 6. ALL EARS: Some of the hawkers
in attendance 7. ON DUTY: The Clover Botswana
stall 8. PURE JOY: One of the stall at the
Trade Show