Kamogelo Mataboge (20), is the founder and owner of Lewatle Aquas, the name is a Setswana concept which means” Dam”.

The final year Journalism student at the Tshwane University of Technology, born in Bobuanja village, Phokeng in the North West province, started her still water company when her village was suffering from running water.

 The idea of selling water became stronger when she realized that people in her village preferred purified water, compared to water from the village taps. Mataboge said that she always had the idea of opening her own water business when she was 15, but it was only at age 20 that she decided to take on this venture and opened her business.

Since the opening Lewatle she has had many challenges that every businesses face, but that didn’t stop her from going ahead. Her story is characterized by trials and Guy but looks positive to the future. Meeting and learning from new people gave her the drive.

The young TUT student said one of the many challenges she faces on daily basis, is when she has to run the business without funding. “I need sponsors, so I can afford equipment to purify my water and package for myself, another thing is my marketing strategy is very weak since I only rely on social media and word-of-mouth.” she added with a sad facial expression.

Mataboge regards herself as a young motivated entrepreneur who is versatile, she also caters for events. “I love businesses, and I’m interested in a lot of them too. This water company was just a startup I wanted something that would give me a push before I start other big businesses,” she said.

She added on to say her family and friends have been supportive from the beginning. She made the decision to go solo on her business venture due to most businesses having failed as a result of partnerships and different approaches to business.

“I want to be one of the biggest water suppliers in South Africa I want to swim with the big fishes, I want my product to be recognized as one of the greatest.” she cried

She closed the interview by saying, “do what you like and love. Don’t let people tell you what you can and cannot do and never let where you come from determine where you are going.”

Mataboge is a role model to young women who want to venture into the world of business and proof to disadvantaged youth, that no matter where you come from in the world there’s always a place for success and reaching your goals. Her journey has been full of challenges, but the dream has always been a solution, and that has been her inspiration, to provide clean water to her village.

To get hold of Kamogelo Mataboge regarding her business you can contact her on +27 62 409 0645