Young Maila produces biltong in rural township

LEEUWFONTEIN – Ever thought that the taste of freshly produced biltong was a privilege only to be satisfied in suburban areas? Well, push back that thought and experience its blissful production in the rural dusty streets of Leeuwfontein Township outside Marble Hall.

A young lad from the dusty streets of the semi rural township outside Marble Hall, Ali Maila has started a biltong producing business, Lanzi’s Biltong, through which two people temporarily benefit in the form of employment.

Maila says he is started his biltong making business in 2020 to help fight unemployment in the rural township and bring the taste closer to the people.

“As we all know that local shops that sell biltong are very scarce, I saw an opportunity in selling what people used to travel distances, like town to buy what they love. I am grateful that I am the only one in the area who produces biltong. I have hired two temporary employees and it makes me so happy to see that the biltong production has somehow brought changes to people’s lives as we know that unemployment is rife in the country these days, especially among the youth,” smiled Maila.

Maila says despite being happy about the existence of his project, lack of proper machinery to produce more of his products remained his nightmare and that the latter’s availability would help him grow his business further and be able to employ more unemployed locals in the rural community.

The young entrepreneur further cited lack of funding for small businesses as one of the major hindrances in the success of many local businesses owned by young people.

“I want this to be a successful biltong factory which manufactures and supplies wholesalers and filling stations across the country. So if I can get funding and machinery. I am confident that goal will be reached,” said Maila.

He encouraged young entrepreneurs to continue working hard and stay focused at all times. Maila indicated that government was trying hard as it supported growing businesses through providing training and exhibitions through SEDA/LED and Centre for entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator to ensure emerging businesses ran successfully. However, government could do more.