ONGWEDIVA – David Ruben’s dream of becoming a full-time businessman, like his uncle, is slowly becoming a reality.
Earlier this year, Ruben founded Inotec Investment cc, a company that manufactures bricks, with the help of the MTC 4Life project.
His business venture has made it easier for his community at the Omukwa-Onaanda village in the Elimi constituency in the Omusati region, to acquire bricks for their building needs nearby.
Most villagers travel less than seven kilometres to reach his business, compared to before, when they used to buy bricks at Ohakao, which is 25km away or Oshakati which is 30km away.
Ruben employs two men on a full-time basis.
He told Youth Corner that another reason for starting the business was to create employment for himself and others and to motivate other youths to create opportunities for themselves, just like he did.
The MTC 4Life project provided start-up capital, equipment and training for his venture.
“I hope the programme continues so that it helps more unemployed youth in the country,” said the 33-year-old Ruben.
“Without MTC, my dream could not come true as my worry has always been where to get money to start my business,” he said.
Ruben said the business is progressing well as he always receives a large number of customers.
“I am proud to state that within only four months of operation, I have been able to provide quality service and products. The business is still new, but I am hopeful that as time goes on and the business grows, I will be able to employ more fellow youths,” he said.
Despite challenges, Ruben said he will remain determined and ambitious, and have a positive drive to make a great success of his business.
“In the next five years, I want to see myself as a renowned supplier of quality bricks, and producing in large quantities to supply big companies. I want to see the business having modern manufacturing machinery, and at least five more employees to increase capacity and efficiency,” he added.
Some of the challenges the business experiences is a lack of transport, because, at the moment, he hires transport to deliver bricks and the hiring costs are high.
“To my fellow employed and unemployed youths – every dream is achievable. It is just a matter of applying our minds, seeking and grabbing opportunities.
“Let your skills be used for something productive, instead of just sitting and not utilising that skill to earn yourselves something,” he urged.