THE ‘GO’ IN MOGOMOTSI
Resilient entrepreneur rides the wave of success
Before the establishment of Oss Accessories, Seane Mogomotsi had tried it all in the world of business.
From various industries such as food catering, operating cabs and music, Mogomotsi was never formally employed. Though all those enterprises failed to get off the ground and realise success, the 36-year-old never gave up on becoming an entrepreneur - a living proof that indeed hard work pays!
Though he did enroll for a Diploma in Accounting and Business Studies at University of Botswana and AAT at GIPS, Mogomotsi never graduated from the two disciplines. Instead, he established Oss Accessories in 2016, which have since become his bread and butter. Without any formal education in the world of technology, Mogomotsi runs his business based on the love he has for information technology and the knowledge he acquired from his brother over the years, plus the technicians he hired.
“I have always had a keen interest in technology, but my elder brother, Tom, had a job that dealt with cellphones and tagging along with him and seeing the day by day operations grew my interest in the field and I eventually started this business,” said the Selibe Phikwe native.
Oss Accessories services the local
market with technical information, technology skills including but not limited to cellphone and laptop spares, repairs and accessories (chargers, covers, protectors), software management, hardware sales and repairs, system diagnostics, CCTV systems and accessories.
“We sell high quality products and offer technical support at affordable rates, so we reach a wide range of different markets comprising individuals, corporations and students,” explained Mogomotsi.
Having started the business with a mere P800 off his pocket and bought a few toys and glass protectors with a borrowed umbrella and setting up at the Main Mall (Gaborone) there is growth, with the enterprise now still operating its pop-up stall on a much larger scale and an additional shop in the same complex.
“We are in a terrible season right now, expenses are soaring and sales are at an all time low. It’s a blessing to still be afloat in these post-corona times. I have had fortunate times in the business but what I remember the most is the time when we had more employees, company car, sponsored a sports academy, and getting jobs from huge corporations is also a smile keeper,” Mogomotsi recalls with a smile.
Despite the ups and downs of the business, which Oss Accessories have managed to withstand over the years, there is a further challenge of competition with many similar entities emerging both small and large scale.
Quizzed on how he deals with competition, Mogomotsi said: “Service provision is a beautiful thing because it is merit-based. If you do a great job, you get great results, which leads to return customers and word-of-mouth referrals and, trust me, that is the best, especially for upcoming business establishments.”
Oss Accessories has managed to play a role in corporate social responsibility by donating playing kit, training equipment to Brave Tigers Sports Academy. Further, the business has created three permanent employment posts and two part-time jobs.
“I envision operating A-grade establishments all over the country and internationally because that’s how technology works. It’s global! I believe I will attain first, a production factory where we will produce initially the simplest accessories, then make the centers to distribute them. We take off, from there we take on the world ,” Mogomotsi said of his vision for his business.