04 Nov 2019

 In order to stop the cutting of trees, an entrepreneur has found a new and innovative way to ease pressure on trees and to save the environment.

The founder and director of Botsdroppers, Ms Liandie Bekker imports durable fencing posts made of plastic waste, which are environmentally friendly alternative to timber.

Beaming with pride for her outstanding achievements in environmental conservation Ms Bekker said, ‘We want to prevent the cutting of trees that is why we are importing plastic poles which is a long lasting product that does not rot.’

Her target market for her products include the game, cattle, mining and electrical fence industries.

What started as a hobby for this young lady inspired the beginning of a venture that would positively transform her life. 

Botsdroppers will start the recycling business that manufacture fencing posts which will be used to fence houses and forest reserves.

“Currently I am importing plastic poles from South Africa and selling them to various businesses across the country,” she added.

Ms Bekker explained that by diverting plastic products from the landfill, streams and farms, Botsdroppers would manufacture a unique solid plastic dropper with a specific grip designed for game fencing.

She said as the environmental sustainability had become  increasingly important, farm owners would  get the peace of mind that the manufacturing process of the droppers has a considerably lower carbon footprint than any other materials currently in the market for the same use.

Ms Bekker explained that due to the lightweight of the products, the droppers substantially reduced transportation costs.

“This significantly reduces fuel consumption by minimising the number of delivery trips that have to be undertaken to and from the site,” she said.

In addition, she explained that the other benefit was that the droppers ‘do not conduct electricity which eliminates the use for isolators and risk of an electric fence short circuit.’

“These droppers are also resistant to rust, insect damage and ultra-violent light. These characteristics ensure further long term savings, due to the fact that minimal maintenance is required,” she said.

“Plastic is a familiar part of modern living. Its strengths are well known but it is just these strengths that make it very difficult to dispose,” she explained.

She went on to explain that the droppers had no scrap yard value which further reduced the risks of the fence being vandalised as a result of theft.

Ms Bekker also stated that Botsdroppers would also manufacture a PVC plastic pole on the same principle as the droppers and such poles would be used in a wide variety of applications, resulting in the reduced need for wooden and steel poles used in the agricultural and mining sector.

Once in full operational, the company would employ a handful number of young Batswana and create direct and indirect employment for the locals.

Although, she has not won any single award for preventing the cutting of trees, she intends to persevere in her endeavour to conserve the forest.

“It took a lot of patience and passion for preserving the environment,” she added.

Apart from her business, Ms Bekker sells horses to augument her profits in order to expand her business. ENDS