New book celebrates local entrepreneurs

The book Modimolle: A town of dreams is a project initiated by York Zucchi, Promise Khumalo and Tamar Goren. Zucchi is the owner of a game lodge on the outskirts of town and says that after looking for personnel they realised that there are many talented people residing in Phagameng. However, these residents did not realise their value in society.

The book hopes to create awareness about ambitious entrepreneurs whose efforts contribute to the economic development and growth of the Waterberg area. The profit from the book sales will go to the Waterberg community to fund more initiatives and to stimulate entrepreneurship. Those driving on the R101 between Modimolle and Mookgophong have most likely seen the garden next to the road where rocks spell out “I love Jesus” and “God bless us”. Piet Laka tells how he runs his business, Tshepiso Furniture, from his shack next to the road. He started the business more than 15 years ago when housing boomed in Phagameng with the building of new RDP houses.

Happy Motshegoa used his talent to make a living by sewing clothes and teaching students the craft.

Street vendor Rachel Masola tells how she has been running her stall next to the hospital for more than 13 years. She was forced to become an entrepreneur when she lost her home. The young local authors of the book (all between 16 and 21 years of age) were guided and mentored by Gugu Lourie, a professional journalist.

“I love Modimolle. Visitors tend to drive through town and do not stop to engage with the town’s residents. They never realise what the town has to offer,” said Zucchi, the owner of Zebra Lodge. “We hope to correct this and encourage them to support local entrepreneurs and get to know the people,” he said.

The book was printed in the United States and distributed worldwide through Amazon.com(.)

“We hope that each lodge in the Waterberg will have a copy of this book on their coffee tables,” Zucchi said.

He can be contacted via email on yz@yzp.ch(.)