A man’s frustration and stress from the housing woes of Alexandra have led him to unearth his talent and create art.
After many years in transit camps and living in the hopes of getting his own home, stress and anger was all George Rangwanasha felt when nothing was forthcoming.
But every sunrise, he was back to the proverbial drawing board with his struggling colleagues re-thinking and re-strategising on how to turn their misfortune around by continuing to highlight their plight to authorities. This only led to his relocation to the Marlboro Sports Club in November last year where, with 50 others calling themselves Concerned Alex Residents, they have been crowded ever since.
This after failed attempts to illegally occupy new, empty flats in Botlhabela Ext Phase 2, which led to their eviction and camping outside the place until council gave them respite at the club.
This gave Rangwanasha the time and space to reflect on his circumstances, leading him to resuscitate his dormant art skill, which he thought was mediocre.
With time in his favour and abundant waste material around – waste paper, wood and wire, he summoned his courage and is using paper mache mixed with other items and cement bought from his meagre resources to create impressive artworks that he hopes will rescue him financially.
He uses them to create human and animal sculptures, flower pots and relief art he said can be hung on walls. Rangwanasha said this is keeping him sane in all the adversity. He is currently making animal and human sculptures with electric cords for illumination. He hopes, through discussions he is having with the Joburg Development Agency, that the products will be displayed as tourist attractions at the Mandela Museum under construction on 7th Avenue. He also hopes his products will attract the city council, business, government and other museums to display his work at parks, offices and galleries.
Rangwanasha wants to share his rediscovered talent with fellow strugglers who are into the arts but lack the facilities. He wants to become registered as a skills development facilitator or service provider so that he can train and issue accredited certificates, provide stipends and feed trainees.
His advice to other frustrated souls was, “The world can be cruel, but persevere against any frustration inhibiting you from achieving what you can through your natural skills and talent.”
Details: George Rangwanasha 079 450 3834.
