Maeto Travel & Tours makes strides in logistics industry
Lewanika Timothy | Tuesday June 20, 2023 06:00
Founded by passionate Tefo Duke Molebatsi, the transport savant says he noticed a gap in the market after realising the acute shortage of minibuses in the industry and ever since making up his mind to fill the gap, his business has been growing in leaps and bounds.
“We operate a customer-centric organisation and we prioritise the needs of our consumers,” he told Monitor Business. “Ever since 2007, we have been operating optimally and growing stronger.”
The adage that apples don’t fall too far from the tree holds true for Molebatsi, as the inspiration to start a logistics company was grafted into him by learning from his father.
He said in the late 1990s when Botswana’s transport industry was in its infancy, his father took an investment risk by selling 25 of his cattle to purchase a Super 16 combi to transport people in Flowertown, Mahalapye. “My father sold 25 of his cattle to start a logistics company. As the company grew, we used the sales revenue to further invest and bought two more combis.
“On Fridays after school, I would go to help by washing the combis and that’s how the idea for my company started,” said Molebatsi. Currently Maeto Travel & Tours offers vehicles for hire from seven-seaters and minibuses, which are used in both corporate and social events. The company has enjoyed market traction in providing transport for weddings, social clubs and taking customers to destinations all over Southern Africa.
“We have in the past provided services for corporate companies, embassies and even some government parastatals,” he added. Speaking on the company’s competitive advantage, Molebatsi said they have an edge over their competitors because as founder, he deploys his specialised skills gained from his degree in Conservation Tourism and Sustainable Development.
He, however, mentioned that the company is currently facing some challenges from pirating car drivers who transport clients under the guise of being tour operators.
Another challenge concerns the issuing of temporary permits to existing bus operators as this reduces their total addressable market. “We are not allowed to transport people to areas like Francistown because there are existing bus operators but on the other hand government issues temporary permits to existing bus operators who harm our business model,” Molebatsi lamented.
Molebatsi implores all young entrepreneurs to follow their hearts and passion, but to also arm themselves with requisite knowledge and skills to ensure success in their desired ventures.