A woodcraft artisan from Tshaulu Ha-Begwa village has turned the skills he learned as a teenager into a thriving home-based business.
Shandukani Nemakumbule (44) began working with wood at 13, learning the craft from his late father. Using simple tools, he carved small household items at home. Today, it is his main source of income. He collects dead wood from nearby bushes and transforms it into furniture and decorative pieces.
Nemakumbule also offers home improvement services, including ceiling installation, TV stand mounting, tiling, and stone decoration. He even recycles damaged car tyres into tables and other functional items.
Operating alone under a tree in his yard, he runs Shanduz Home Décor, producing handcrafted furniture, home décor, and practical wooden accessories. His products include tables, shelves, wall art, pie dishes, bed legs, key holders, and bowls. He also restores old furniture, repurposes discarded materials, and does paving work.
“I am waiting for funding so that I can train young people. The business is running well, and I can now see where it is going. Most of my customers come from surrounding villages, with orders secured through word of mouth,” he said.
Despite limited equipment, no formal workshop, and transport challenges, he continues to complete projects for households, schools, and local clients.
“I want to bring tourists to Limpopo to see the exceptional artwork we can produce here. I want to expand into a larger workshop in future and create employment opportunities once financial support becomes available,” he said.