- Makarov Abotseng
The Rise of Kwa Sethareng
Kwa Sethareng began as a humble enterprise, selling musical compact discs under a tree in the bustling Main Mall of Gaborone. Despite its modest beginnings, Kwa Sethareng quickly became a powerhouse in the local music distribution scene. The business thrived on its excellent connections with musical publishers and wholesalers locally and in South Africa, enabling it to offer a diverse and extensive catalogue of music to its customers.
Leveraging Connections for Success
The success of Kwa Sethareng was not just about selling music; it was about creating a community. The business became a cultural hub where music lovers congregated, shared their favourite tunes, and discovered new artists. Kwa Sethareng’s connections with South African wholesalers provided it with a steady supply of the latest music, making it the go-to place for music enthusiasts in Botswana. This network was a significant asset that Kwa Sethareng could have leveraged to propel itself into the digital age.
The Digital Evolution Left Behind
However, as the global music industry underwent a digital revolution, Kwa Sethareng remained rooted in its traditional business model. The rise of digital music platforms and streaming services transformed the way people consumed music. Physical CDs gave way to digital downloads, and later, to streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Unfortunately, Kwa Sethareng did not adapt to these changes.
By failing to innovate and embrace digital transformation, Kwa Sethareng missed a golden opportunity. With its established brand and extensive connections, it was perfectly positioned to transition into the digital music space. Instead, it was left behind, unable to compete with the convenience and accessibility of digital music platforms.
The Missed Opportunity: Leading in Music Streaming
Had Kwa Sethareng embraced digital innovation, it could have been a trailblazer in the music streaming industry. Imagine Kwa Sethareng leveraging its strong relationships with South African music publishers to secure exclusive digital content, or developing a local music streaming platform that catered specifically to the tastes and preferences of Batswana and the broader African market. Such a platform could have celebrated and promoted African music, providing artists with a unique space to share their work and reach a global audience.
The Broader Lesson for Botswana’s Businesses
Kwa Sethareng’s story is a cautionary tale for businesses in Botswana and beyond. The lesson is clear: innovate or face obsolescence. In an era where technological advancements occur at breakneck speed, businesses cannot afford to remain static. The failure to evolve with the times can result in lost opportunities and, ultimately, the demise of a once-thriving business.
Embracing Innovation: A Call to Action
For businesses in Botswana, the call to action is to embrace innovation proactively. This involves staying abreast of global trends, understanding the potential impact of technological advancements, and being willing to adapt and evolve. It requires a mindset that is open to change and ready to invest in new ideas and technologies.
The story of Kwa Sethareng serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to innovate. As Botswana continues to develop and integrate into the global economy, it is imperative that its businesses prioritise innovation and evolution. By embracing change and leveraging the power of technology, Botswana’s businesses can not only survive but thrive in the modern economy. The key to success lies in the ability to innovate, evolve, and stay ahead of the curve.
*Makarov Abotseng is a Public Relations Expert based in Chobe with a key focus on Destination Branding. The views and opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those of The Executive Botswana.
