FROM witnessing her stepfather carve wood to make furniture, Thembelihle Nzama taught herself to do woodwork with the material left over.
Years later, she passes on that knowledge to many people who, in turn, are feeding their families.
“This is what I know best and have done for most of my life; it helped me feed my family,” said the mother of two.
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At her age, the Clermont resident said she should be resting but feels it is important to continue teaching people the craft.
“Unfortunately, my daughter passed away. I am left with my son who is married and has children and is always asking me to let other people continue with this work. I just can’t [give it up] – as long as I am still fit, I shall continue helping others.”
The pensioner says they buy the materials from a company in Westmead. They make mostly chairs, tables and even coffee tables.
With the unemployment rate so high, Nzama said she feels it her duty to teach people how to make the furniture so they can feed their families.
Staying in one of the underprivileged areas in Clermont where there are hundreds of shacks, she said it is her way of giving back and empowering her impoverished community.
“I have taught many people, and that just makes me happy to know that I have passed on my knowledge to others. Hopefully, they will also be able to teach others,” she said.
People can contact Nzama on 079 397 8041.
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