My name is Keipeile Motsamai. I live in Mochudi, Raserura ward. I was born with a physical disability, my left leg is shorter than my right leg. My first job was babysitting in the 90’s and I am currently staying with the family. I used to work in a leather works company in Pilane as a cobbler in 1985, where I first learnt how to make leather shoes and belts. I resigned in 2019 due to my disability and decided to learn how to crochet plastic mats. This is a skill I learnt from a lady in Boseja ward. I used to observe how she made plastic mats until I was able to do it on my own.
I make plastic mats using needles, scissor and plastic shopping bags not refuse bags because they are not strong enough. I buy plastic bags, sometimes I get them from people. I cut the plastic bags into thin strips and start crocheting and mixing the colors. I use many plastic bags to make a complete mat. In the past, mats were made from leather, and they were used during cultural events like weddings, kgotla meetings. These days leather is expensive and so we have resorted to using more affordable materials like recycled plastic. Some of my challenges are lack of money to buy materials like plastic bags for my product and lack of clients.
