‘Marethabile Liphoto (38) from Ha-Mpo in Maseru district is a force to be reckoned with in the male dominated brick production business. Her brick manufacturing business is based at Ha ‘Mantsebo in Maseru district. With declining job prospects and a stagnant economy, the mother of three is taking the bull by its horns, paving a way for many to follow in the industry.
Her produce serves nearby villages such as Mazenod, Mekateng, Koro-Koro, Ha-Masana and Ha-Phalole.
“I have realized that this is a good business and I have achieved a lot since I started it. I have already secured a site where I am going to manufacture more bricks here at Ha-Mants’ebo,” she says.
Her wish, though, is to acquire more skills in production of various types of bricks, if only she could get funding. To counter her challenges, she consults her mentors in the business, whose support she says she will remain grateful for.
Mrs Liphoto’s love for business began when she was still young, helping at her Grandmother’s shop at Ha-Seoli in Maseru. “I fell in love with business then and I have never looked for a job in my entire life,”she says.
Besides brick production, she has also ventured into various businesses such as running a tavern and a butchery. She feels not only does her businesses ensure her freedom but she is happy to be able to give some people jobs so that they may also provide for their families.
“I have always loved business but my challenge is the expensive rental costs that I have to incur. I have employed four people and wish I could engage more considering the high rate of unemployment in the country,” she points out.
Her dream is to have a hardware store and employ many people, particularly women, to show that women are capable of running big businesses profitably .
