Eating healthy is a Must
WeekendLife
A healthier lifestyle is important to everyone, promoting a healthy living lifestyle is as imperative as saving one’s life. A visit to Health Generation, Botswana’s first and only, freshly prepared juice-smoothie-sandwich bar operating in Gaborone this week was more than deserving, and a life experience of a health conscious consumer.
There has been a shift in the eating habits of Batswana, with more people watching what they eat and becoming more knowledgeable with food production, nutrition and the like. Health Generation a 100% locally owned business, first opened in March 2014 in Airport Junction and a year later in Jack's Gym I-Towers, CBD being the country’s first fast food outlet to promote a healthy living lifestyle in an attractive and affordable way.
They primarily sells freshly squeezed beverages that have been juiced from locally procured fruits and vegetables, as a result, freshness is guaranteed.
To cater for a wider consumer base, other product compliments include salads, sandwiches, wraps, snacks, ice cream and hot beverages, all prepared in an open area for the consumer to see and promote transparency. Arriving at their Airport Junction Mall Shop 43A on Tuesday afternoon, there only sat one gentleman who appeared to be awaiting his order, it was a little bit quite and the two assistants behind the counter seemed to be occupied working on a particular menu while chatting.
My visit was actually to get the first hand information and explore their amazing menus prepared from vegetables and fruits which are harvested here in Botswana. To cater for a wider consumer base, other product compliments include salads, sandwiches, wraps, snacks, ice cream and hot beverages, all prepared in an open area for the consumer to see and promote transparency.
As the clock ticks towards the lunch hour, more and more customers started to show up, the majority being locals and a few whites. As I sat there having a conversation with one of the employees, browsing through the menu I ordered a Carrot Juice (Daily Detox).
The drink is made from carrot, pineapple, green apple and ginger. Orange in colour and thick looking, the taste is more carrot and some ginger chilli drowning the throat with a sour taste from the green apple and the smell of pineapple, this was arguably one of the best drinks I had in a long time. It does not only taste good but I was told it has the detoxifying capabilities thus good for one’s heath.
I was told the juices here have been developed with great tasting and are loaded with nutrients.
I was also served the Chicken Avocado Sandwich prepared form low GI bread which is low in calories. It was spread with avocado instead of our usual butter because avocado is low in fats. The lettuce was dressed with a homemade dressing with the inclusion of some herbs.
The combination after all was not a bad idea, actually one of the best sandwiches you will ever come across. What surprised me the most is the fact that all this menus are thought of and made inside the shop but this are complementing flavours which are multi- nutritional with a variety of health benefits.
At a reasonable prize I was told most of Batswana have appreciated the shop, which is why they found it befitting to open the second store. However they advise customers to complement the meals with exercising because the two are complementary.
With future plans already in motion for more locations in Botswana and South Africa, Health Generation invites the youth of Botswana to take up their franchising opportunities through a Youth Inclusive Plan for their nationwide branches.
They pointed out that they strive to nurture and mentor young entrepreneurs, making them believe in the opportunity of local business while growing the community as a whole. So they want the youth to get in touch with them and see how they can spread the health.
Before I left, I decided to order my last drink which is called Daily Protein Power, this was definitely my favourite drink. It looks more like a milkshake, very thick and more appealing to the eye. It is made from the combination of raspberries, strawberries as well as bananas and it is a very good energy booster because it contains proteins and anti- oxidant which prevents diseases.
Believe me, with a bite from the sandwich and the two juices I was more than full. This could save a lot of Batswana who prefer fast food outlets which sell junk food that leaves them chubby and overweight.
Health Generation have also partnered with Jack’s Gym as a strategic partner to encourage the idea of killing two birds with one stone. This is arguably one of the best innovations to have come from our local entrepreneurs and set to empower more Batswana both in business as well as creating job opportunities.
WeekendLife
Creatives taking over 2023
Creativity is seen everywhere and these individuals did something recently that’s never been done before, and some are still killing it. We see creativity on streaming platforms, stages, runways, social media and boardrooms even. Some of them are revamping their businesses, and lately, clothing sale is thriving.
They love concept-driven designs, storytelling and they bring fresh ideas and new perspectives that will leave footprints in the sand. Post the COVID-19 pandemic, these creative minds utilized the drawing board and they became cognizant that monetizing content will actually take them far, which is frank nonetheless.
This is commendable though, but the creative industry will still need support from government in order for it to flourish further. Allocation of resources (funds, facilities and empowerment) should be done consistently, creativity must be raised and at the end of the day, the economy benefits from that kind of investment.
HAN C
Ever since he parted ways with his former manager, DJ Bougee Sid, Mahalapye born-pint sized, multi-award-winning artist, Hanceford Magapatona has been taking up space, unapologetically so. Han C has shown a strong will to take over the entire world, and he is in the right direction. He’s solely organizing the annual Mahalapye Spring Festival, which is taking place next weekend.
The Pepetetsa hitmaker raked some monies from his savings to put together this event. Mahalapye Spring Festival will feature Paige, Ubuntu Band, Khoisan, Amantle Brown and Double Up among others. Even though it didn’t come as a surprise, Han C was nominated at African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) in the US, under Best Male Southern Africa category.
However, the award was snatched by the late South African rapper, AKA. Its not all lost as Han C secured two nominations at the Yarona FM Music Awards (YAMAs): People’s Choice of the Year and Best Male Single.
KOKETSO MOTSWAGOLE
This entrepreneur has turned his dreams into reality, and his promising apparel business is now a fashion destination. Matter of fact, Motswagole weathered the storms to be where he is now because through criticism and social media bullying, he still leads the pack in fashion.
His social media accounts got deleted but through his online store, KM Sales, Motswagole is able to rake in some profits. He initially started selling from his car but now owns a busy store and has employed a number of young people.
KM Sales has been offering fashionable items (shoes, t-shirts, pants) and has been participating in various lifestyle events such as Garden of Drip where it showcases its products.
If there is one young entrepreneur to draw motivation from is Koketso. The business started from humble beginnings, at the time when he worked part time at Ipelegeng as a casual labor. Indeed, good things come to those who wait, or well, work like a slave today, live like a king tomorrow.
KAGISO LUDO DE KLERK
Vee Mampeezy’s ex-wife Kagiso De Klerk clearly did not sit and weep over their dramatic divorce. The famous social media influencer hurriedly picked up the pieces and went hard on promoting business online. She literally took social media influencing to the head and it is working for her.
This year saw her partnership with Shell reach greater heights, and obviously, she is raking lot of pulas from the deal. Kagiso has been making frequent appearances in top events in South Africa such as Bubbles in Spring and Gold and Diamond Experience.
GAONA DINTWE
After a long break from the limelight, renowned media and radio personality, Gaona Dintwe is back. She was missed by many on TV, and she’s back where she belongs, news anchoring on BTV. Gaona has also found a niche in podcasting. She is a host of her own podcast, Gaona Live Conversation, where various people share their stories on camera.
Some of what they discuss is Gender Based Violence (GBV), polygamy and drug addiction. This is highly commendable because even BTV doesn’t have programs that discuss these crucial social issues. The Lentswelemoruti native is also seen in various corporate events where she is engaged as a host.
WeekendLife
DITIRO LEERO ONE MAN SHOW ON THE PIPELINE
Now that one-man shows are made fashionable, traditional dance guru and ex-convict, Ditiro Leero is joining the crusade and he will be hosting his also. The show will be held next month at Zone 4 Farm in Selokolela, but the there are traditional dance music artists who have been lined up to perform at the show. Matshana, Morwa Leka and Maswailathota will be doing their thing and probably bring some heat too. Ditiro Leero will be making history as the first traditional artist to host a one-man show in Botswana.
WeekendLife
MISS BOTSWANA HAVING MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE
With only two months before Miss World 2023, the reigning Miss Botswana, Lesego Chombo is having many irons in the fire, preparing for the much-anticipated beauty pageant. Miss World 2023 will be the 71st edition of Miss World pageant and it will be held in India. Chombo has been spotted toning her body at Jack’s gym, a requirement that is taken seriously at the pageant. She has also been participating in charity events, something that should add to her profile at the Miss World.