Netshithuni fights unemployment with wood carving

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Mr Frans Netshithuthuni of Mbahela outside Thohoyandou took up wood carving a few years ago and said his life had been changed. He managed to turn this skill into a revenue-generating venture. His sculptures range from wooden drums, walking sticks, and spherical calabashes to spoons and other wooden decorative ornaments.

Netshithuthuni had been unemployed for many years, and he found supporting his family difficult before he started wood carving. “It is better than not doing anything at all because I can now support my wife and kids. Although I sometimes go for weeks without any customers, my hard labour has started bearing fruit because, at the end of the day, I can at least take something home,” he said.

He explained that finding the wood needed to make his products was not always easy. “We use special trees to produce quality sculptures. I make sure that my customers are getting sculptures that will last a lifetime, and that is why I use very strong wood. I do not have any machinery, but I use an axe, chisel, and hammer to make my sculptures,” he said.

Netshithuthuni said that tourists made up a big portion of his customer base, and they always came back for more. “I need people who can assist me in marketing my products even outside the borders of my country,” he said.

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.