By Kefiloe Kajane
Being in his late 60s is not stopping None Maloka from Matsieng in Maseru to follow his dreams and to share his talents with young people.
Maloka makes hats, shoes and baskets using wool, old plastics and magnetic tape.
In an interview with theReporter Maloka said he started his business back in 2000 but he began crocheting way back when he was still a young man. He now also teaches young people how to make using the above items.
He said he never went to school for it, but only learned the trade as he went along.
He said though his business is decades old, he is yet to hit a breakthrough break as he does not think his enterprise has reached flourishing levels. His attempts to market his products have not been successful despite his travel in different parts of the country.
That notwithstanding, his ambition is to teach young people how to crochet so that at least he can leave behind a legacy for Lesotho to remember him.
“I believe through my talent I did not become what I wanted or get opportunities that I thought I would but I think passing my knowledge to young people will fulfill part of my purpose.
“I had thought by now I will be one of the people who supply big clothing stores with crotchet shoes, hats and baskets. But if I can give a young Mosotho a chance to learn from me and may be later open a business for themselves, that would make me happy,” Maloka hoped.
“It is hard living in a country like ours which has limited opportunities. We tell our young people every day to open their own businesses with such limited opportunities, but it is difficult to succeed,” he said.
Maloka said he is not looking to retire anytime soon promising that as long as he can still see his wool and crotchet he will “keep on making his colorful creations.
He runs his business from Sea-point in Maseru.
