20 Aug 2024

There is a fearlessness and unrelenting spirit that embodies the life and work of Unami Matlapeng.

With sheer boldness the 37-year-old from woman from Sebina has carved her own path in life, refusing to be limited by the constraints of gender, circumstance, or expectations.

Matlapeng’s events tent empire is a towering testament to her tenacity, a sprawling enterprise that has risen from the humblest of beginnings to be a household name.

What started as a single second-hand tent and a few chairs has blossomed into a business empire of events, adorned with the finest of decorations and hired by the most discerning of patrons.

The empire of tents is more than just a business; it is a dream come true, a beacon of hope and a demonstration of possibility for all who dare to dream big and work hard.

She may appear not so rich, but beneath the surface, she is thriving. Drawing closer to Matlapeng, one would realise that she is more interested in substance than style, a powerful reminder that appearance can be deceiving.

She harbours a tenacity and a spirit of determination. Like a diamond forged under immense pressure, she has proven that one can never judge a personal potential by outward appearance alone.

Her journey is marked by sweat, toil, and countless sleepless nights spent perfecting her craft, which is an ode to the power of perseverance. “I focus on what matters, which is my business not fancy things because they will never take me anywhere,” she said.

For Matlapeng, the road from childhood fascination to entrepreneurial success was paved with a passion for decor, a keen eye for detail, and a little bit of luck.

Her love affair with decorations began at a young age, a spark of joy that flickered through the years, slowly igniting into a flame of entrepreneurship.

“I never imagined that my interest in decorations would one day turn into a business.

“It all started with a hobby, a way to express my creativity, but it quickly grew into something more,” she mused, her face glowing with pride.

Matlapeng explained that the humble beginning of her company “Moloico Events and Florists”, which started in 2015 was a testament to the power of ingenuity and determination.

Like a tiny seed planted on  fertile soil, Matlapeng’s small investment of P13 000 in a second-hand tent and a handful of plastic chairs took root and blossomed into a thriving business, bringing joy and celebration to countless events in Francistown.

“I did not have an idea that this was the beginning of something big,”” she recalled, her eyes dancing with memories of days gone by.

Her first successful event was a wedding, which was however not without challenges. Without a complete set of wedding essentials, she had to stretch her resources thin, venturing all the way to Gaborone to hire the pieces, stitching together a patchwork of rented items to ensure the success of her client’s special day.

“It was a stressful time, but also a time of learning,” she said, her hands gesturing as she retold the story.

With a steady hand and an unwavering vision, Matlapeng nurtured her fledging business with all the tenderness and care of a mother hen.

A government grant of P100 000, while seemingly modest, was a milestone in her entrepreneurial journey, allowing her to invest in vital tent essentials and lay a solid foundation for future growth.

“It was a turning point for me. I knew that if I wanted to compete for bigger tenders, I needed to have all the necessary equipment and supplies,” she added.

An unexpected invitation from Francistown South Member of Parliament, Wynter Mmolotsi sent a shiver of apprehension down Ms Matlapeng’s spine.

In a country where being summoned by an MP can sometimes carry ominous undertones, she feared the worst.

“I thought, what could I have possibly done wrong? It never occurred to me that this could be a blessing,” she added.

Little did she know that this meeting would set the wheels of fate in motion, propelling her and her business into a whole new realm of opportunity.

“When I received a call from him requesting a meeting, I could not believe it. Here I was, a small business owner, about to meet with one of the most influential people in town. It was strange,” she recalled.

As the adage goes, opportunity knocks but once, and when it did for Matlapeng, she seized it with both hands.

The conversation with Mmolotsi, initially a source of nervousness, blossomed into an unexpected windfall, as the Youth Development Fund (YDF) opened its coffers, bestowing upon her a generous grant of P100 000.

“I was speechless. I could not believe that someone as influential as an MP would take such an interest in my little business. It gave me hope and the courage to dream even bigger,” said Matlapeng.

The P100 000 grant from YDF was a stepping stone that catapulted Ms Matlapeng’s business aspirations to new heights.

With the funds, and her own savings, she set sail to China, her eyes fixed on the prize, an investment that would revolutionalise her business and open a new chapter in her entrepreneurial journey.

Upon her return, flush with the excitement of new found possibilities, she embarked on the next phase of her journey with renewed vigour and purpose.

Today, Matlapeng boasts of four large tents, a spacious stretch tent and a staggering collection of chairs. 

Her company, Moloico Events and Florists, has become a force to be reckoned with in the events industry.

“It is a dream come true,” she reflected, beaming with pride.

This year alone, Matlapeng’s star has been on the rise, shining brighter than the Botswana sun. From the dusty plains of the Makgadikgadi epic to the bustling streets of Francistown, her creative touch has graced some of the biggest events in the country, leaving her competitors with jaws agape.

Diversifying her portfolio, Matlapeng has also ventured into the agricultural world, planting roots and seeds in the fertile soil of Matshelagabedi.

Starting with sweet potatoes, she took a bold step into the realm of food security, proving that her green thumb is just as adept as her flair for décor.

She said her venture into agriculture was fuelled by a spark of inspiration following His Excellency President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi’s bold decision to bar the importation of vegetables.

“When I heard that announcement, I seized the opportunity. I thought to myself, if the President believes in the potential of our country’s farmers, who I am not to give it a try?

“It was a call to action, a reminder that we all have a part to play in our nation’s success,” she added.

With one part of her farm earmarked for events, and the other for agriculture, she envisions a harmonious blend of nature and urban life that will transform the area into a thriving suburb, a slice of paradise in the heart of Matshelagabedi. BOPA