Attending a Budget Speech review organised by Access Bank in Francistown recently, one of the panelists caught The Voice’s attention: Vongai Makovore.
The 48-year-old Zimbabwe-born businesswoman impressed with her sharp, insightful responses.
An entrepreneur with a diverse empire, the mother-of-three owns Labcare Diagnostics, a medical laboratory located at Tonota Healthcare Centre, as well as Shell Filling Station in Borolong.
Keen to find out more, CHRISTINAH MOTLHABANE sat down with the Makovore for a heart-to-heart…
Before we get down to business, tell our readers a little about yourself.
My name is Mrs Vongai Makovore. I am married to a wonderful man whom I met at the University of Zimbabwe. We have been married 24 years and still counting. We are blessed with three beautiful children, two of whom are daughters and one son. Our first child is now at University studying medicine while the other two are in secondary school. I am a Motswana woman by naturalization after moving here in October 2004.
What brought you to Botswana?
Career advancement. I hold a Bachelor of Science Honor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences with over 24 years experience in the field of medical laboratory science in both research and clinical laboratory set ups.
Growing up did you see yourself as a businesswoman?
I grew up with a mother who used to sell this and that – I would say the equivalent to running a tuckshop in modern day terms. I always used to say to her ‘mother I will do what you do better, I will take it to a higher level than a tuckshop’. So I could say in a way yes I used to think I would one day become a business person.
Tell us about Labcare Diagnostics, I understand you’re the go-to place for DNA testing?
Let me start by saying basically our Laboratory does not just do DNA tests only. We are a general medical laboratory with a wide testing menu. We do: General Diagnostic tests, STI screening, fertility testing, antenatal tests, allergy screening, HIV monitoring, cancer screening, liver and kidney function test, high blood pressure and diabetes monitoring, fertility testing and medical examinations for both individuals and cooperate.
What inspired you to start your own facility?
Noticing a gap in the diagnostic space, especially in villages, when I was still working as a public health laboratory advisor with CDC Botswana. I noticed how people used to wait long to get laboratory results because most of the tests were being sent to towns, so I told myself that I want to be a part of the solution by taking laboratory services closer to the people. I said I will go by the moto ‘taking health closer to the people’. And I have done my best and will continue taking health through labor services to the marginalized areas especially.
The country is experiencing a crippling shortage of medicine – has that affected Labcare Diagnostics?
Not yet.
That’s good to hear! So, how accurate are DNA tests, and what’s the turnaround time?
I would say DNA testing is highly accurate (often over 99.9 percent) for determining biological relationships like paternity, but accuracy varies for ancestry, which is better described as a high-probability estimate rather than 100 percent precision. For paternity tests, we collect what we call buccal swabs from the interested parties and send them for testing. Turnaround time is 14 working days for DNA tests.
How do you ensure sample confidentiality and security?
We use unique identifiers for samples. We have restricted access to authorized personnel in the laboratory and laboratory patients’ information. There is password access to our Lab information system with varying access levels.
Are your tests accredited by international standards?
We are enrolled in an EQA scheme RIQAS for Chemistry and Hematology as well as BNQAL for Microbiology and Serology
What’s the cost range for different DNA tests?
Our DNA tests range from P2, 900 – P4, 500.
Does Medical Aid cover this?
Yes, it covers all our tests.
Besides running a laboratory, you also have your own petrol station; how did this come about?
I was driving from Maun back in 2016 when I noticed that there was hardly a fuel station on the A30 road, that is the Francistown-Orapa road, and then I said a fuel station is needed on this route. We chose Borolong, seeing its proximity to another big village, Chadibe which also had no service station.
And how does one ‘open’ a petrol station – take us through the process?
BERA has clear guidelines on their website or one can easily call them to enquire on how the process works.
What services do you offer at your fueling station?
We have a convenience store, tire pressure, cash plus – there is no ATM in and around Borolong or Chadibe, so this service has come in handy for the people there and the surrounding villages. We also have Orange Money, Ideal prepaid electricity and Mukuru.
How do you ensure fuel quality and safety?
That is centrally controlled by Vivo Energy Botswana where we get our fuel products. On the ground, our staff are highly trained and competent on forecourt safety protocols.
What about customer feedback and complaints – how do you handle such?
We have a suggestion box on site and there is a Voice of the Customer (VOC) program that allows customers to express themselves and be heard.
How do you stay updated on industry developments?
Through social media and being a part of organisations that matter among other things, as well as attending workshops and seminars.
Do you offer any eco-friendly or alternative energy options?
We do not have alternative energy options at the moment.
How do you balance running two demanding but totally different businesses?
We are two Directors so we split the workload accordingly. We have also built a highly competent team of professionals that I work with in the day-to-day running of the businesses.
What’s the biggest challenge you face as a woman entrepreneur?
As a woman it is generally not easy to make it especially in the male dominated spaces. You need to put double the effort compared to a male counterpart to be taken seriously.
What advice would you give to fellow females hoping to make it as entrepreneurs?
Keep your eyes on the ball. Do not belittle yourself, you have everything it takes to make it. Entrepreneurship is a journey: be patient with yourself. As a woman you are a natural nurturer, in Setswana we say ‘Mosadi ke thati ya Sechaba’ always remember that and never look back.
Thank you so much MaMakovore for your time. The last question, TGIF, what are your plans for the coming weekend?
(Laughing) That’s a difficult question to answer, perhaps spend time with my kids since I spend most of my time working.
