By Matṧeliso Phulane
A cinematographer by profession, Mopeli Charles Khabo is the founder of Khabo’s Mango Achaaa that has recently been gushing on social media platforms.
Khabo did not want to limit himself to shooting only but also tried his luck at producing mango atchar – a cold spicy sauce made from vegetables or fruit.
Speaking with theReporter, he explained that unemployment forced him to start the business. Slowly but surely, he started selling the atchar in 2018 and buying it for unemployed people with whom he shared profits at the end of the year.
“I managed to do that for two years until Covid-19 restrictions came to disrupt everything. However, during lockdown I had a great plan that bumped into my head to start my own brand that will benefit Basotho nation as well,” he said.
The 28-year old said, coming from the village where people are not exposed to a lot of thing; insufficient services and poor access to education, he thought of coming up with something productive for the community and to also to promote his surname.
“Being among the fortunate people who got the job, I thought of my brothers and sisters out there who were struggling to make their living and did not archive their goals,” he added.
One of the people Khabo has recognised to advertise his product is Limpho Letsapo, an influential comedian. He has a sense of humour and connects with people, bringing smile to their faces with whatever he advertises.
“Khabo production is where we serve people with smile, open heart and laughter,” he revealed.
He further explained that some of the challenges he encounters include price increase of the cooking oil. He tries by all means to buy in bulk because it saves him money as he buys at reduced prices. On the other hand, he still considers selling his “product at an affordable price because people in rural areas are struggling financially unlike those in urban areas.”
Khabo indicated that Basotho are denied opportunities to improve their skills and experiences either volunteering themselves or offer them internships.
“If the business organisations would allow people to gain experiences and have professional knowledge Lesotho would be represented at international business community. Through workshops, internships and volunteering Lesotho can be different,” he suggested.
He thought that business is not only about to be run by men who he said should not think that certain businesses are specifically meant for women only.
“Business needs passion and enthusiasm, but if you don’t have that you won’t be motivated and invest all your time in it. I want to advise men who are scared to take entrepreneurial risks that, it is possible they need to get the right capital and invest in their dreams and businesses,” he warned.
Khabo said in the next five years, he wants to see his business spread its wings as he hopes to build its might.
Khabo’s Aachaaa is distributed to several supermarkets. He can be contacted on his mobile number +266- 67939188 and +266-58674676 for placing orders.
