Ms Sethina Khashane from the rural Mukondeni village fights poverty and unemployment by making pots of clay and selling them to the communities.
Khashane started doing pottery back in 1990, and today, she is still a full-time ceramist. But things had not been easy at the start. "I used to exchange some of my pottery products for mealies, so that I could also eat. Money was not important then, but that was a long time ago," she said.
Khashane has dedicated her life to pottery. To this day, she still digs the clay from the riverbanks and mountainside herself. "At one point, I realised that I had to share some of my expertise in pottery with the other women in the village, and that is what I still do. Over the years, many people from other villages have visited me to learn how to make clay pots, and I taught them free of charge."
Her clay products are sold for between R50 and R1 800, and her customers consist of locals from around Limpopo and Gauteng.
She says that, by making her ceramic wares, she can pay for her children to study further at tertiary institutions after school. "This trade takes care of us. Life has changed for the better for me because of the money I get from selling my cooking pots, ceramics and flower bowls," says Khashane. "It is better than to just stay at home and do nothing. Without work these days, life is tough."
Khashane is keen to help youths who want to learn more about pottery. "Pottery is a traditional Venda craft dating back many centuries," she said.
Those interested in learning this trade can contact Khashane on 076 873 5771.