Refuse has inspired a Winterveldt man to create works of art and thereby earn an income.
Themba Tlhako (35) creates art from rubbish he finds at dump sites and which he receives from local residents.
Thlako said he used cardboard boxes, fabric, sand, plastic and other materials to make items including denim bags, jewellery, paintings and key holders.
“In 2005, I enrolled for Multimedia Studies at Unisa, but I had to drop out in 2006 when my father passed on,” said Tlhako.
“I took over the duties of being a breadwinner.”
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Tlhako said he started a new job soon after his father’s death but the contract ended in 2014.
“While working, I repaired school bags and tailored clothes for local residents and my interest in crafting products developed from there.”
“I was not passionate then, but now art has grown in me. I have found creative ways to reuse what people view as waste.”
He said he worked from home and exhibited his work within his community.
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“I go to community events, schools, churches and malls to show people my work,” he said.
Tlhako said he was looking to find a place where he could showcase his work and connect with his customers.
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