Local artist use horns for his art

The 58-year-old from Tornado section in KwaThema fell in love with art while he was still a young boy growing up in the township.

Mdakane reveals that he is not only an artist using cow horns for his art, but is also known as the best hairstylist of the 1980s.

Because of his love for art using horns, Mdakane proudly says he has cleaned all the dumping sites and open velds where horns are normally dumped.

“When I see a horn, I see the material which I can use for my art and provide for may family,” says Mdakane.

He says what he likes about his art job is the fact that he does not have to buy stock, but visits open velds to collect the material while also cleaning these areas.

“I changed to using horns for my art because I also want to give more value to the cows and all other animals with horns,” he says.

Adding that most of the farmers do not realise that they can also make more money from selling the horns.

Mdakane lost his job many years ago after using his boss’ 5c and 10c coins to create a big tree which he says he thought his boss would like.

“My creativity cost me my job because I used my boss’ coins for my art,” says a giggling Mdakane.

Mdakane appeals to all the artists in Kwatsaduza to come together, share their knowledge and also teach the youth about their art to help create employment for themselves.

Speaking about the challenges that he is facing Mdakane mentions the scarcity of material.

“It is a pity that the material I use for my art comes from animals and that the horn needs to have been exposed in the sun, rain and wind for at least three years before I can use it,” says Mdakane.

However, he says he is prepared to visit every township in Ekurhuleni, looking for horns to use for his art.