Election Lethiba is a self-taught carpenter who was asked to help the local school, they didn’t have money for school desks so he repaired the ones they had.
Limpopo, South Africa (20 January 2020) – Election Lethiba runs a hair salon Mohlaletse, Limpopo. The 25-year-old has a knack for business and after hearing about a lack of carpenters in his community, he tried his hand at it.
Lethiba visited friends who had machinery he could use and asked to borrow it. He then started teaching himself how to use it and how to be a carpenter.
“It was not a God-given gift, I had to work hard and practise. As I got better, I started saving the money I was receiving from my salon to purchase proper material to work efficiently,” – Election Lethiba
Lethiba got really good and before the 2020 school year started, the principal from Fetakgomo High School came forward to discuss school furniture, namely desks. Principal Ramphelane Sekwati explained that the school had a very small budget so they couldn’t afford new desks, instead, they wanted to check if Lethiba could help repair them.
Despite the school not having enough to cover the costs of Lethiba’s labour, they were able to cover the cost of new materials. Lethiba agreed to take the job on even though he would come out at a loss.
“I understand that the school can’t afford to pay me my worth but I needed to help them.”
Lethiba shows that sometimes in business, it isn’t about making money, it is about pursuing a passion and helping where possible. His goal now is to grow the businesses and provide employment to people who are more technical or creative.
“I’ve always been good with my hands, which is why I’ve started my company, so that other people who are not academic can get a chance to better themselves.”
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