For the love of art
Tsakane - Bonginkosi Andries Mahole (34) is on a quest to share his art talent with his community.
And as a result, he is volunteering as a facilitator at the Matshidiso LSEN School, teaching clay art to learners.
The artist also says, though he does not get paid, nothing warms his heart more than helping young people with special needs.
Read: Promoting arts and culture
“I started school at Khombindlela Primary School, and completed my matric at the Buhlebemfundo Secondary School.
“I then went to Boston College to study human resource management but could not complete my studies due to financial reasons.
“In 2008, while in Soweto I stumbled across displays of clay art and that is where I gained an interest in it,” he says.
Read: A platform for artists
As he inquired further about this art form and got information, the art lover was led to the Becomo Art Centre in Kliptown.
There he learnt about painting, drawing, bead making, sculpture, clay and photography. Clay art, however, stuck with him.
“From that point on I started attending exhibitions and facilitating at schools in Soweto.
“When I saw how much young people really enjoyed it, I was eager to bring this form of art to my township.
“I made proposals to teach it at our local schools but did not get any positive responses,” he says.
He then waited till February when he took a decision to approach the Matshidiso LSEN School to teach their learners voluntarily and when they opened their doors to him, he grabbed the opportunity.
“What I love about teaching these children is that though they may not cope with the mainstream curriculum, they are brilliant at using their hands.
“It is truly a blessing being able to share my skill with them.
“Anyone who has an art talent can also ask to volunteer at the school as they are in need of more assistance,” he says.
For more information on Mahole and his work contact him on 076 783 8137 or email to a.b.mahole@gmail.com
