Collecting cans, creating art
Who knew that one man's trash could be another man's livelihood
POLOKWANE – Isaac Kgopa, an artisan in the city, collects scrap metal and turns it into art.
The young man from Mankweng Turfloop Unit D, makes use of cans and scrap metal he collects to create hand-crafted metal cars, animals, flowers and other nifty things.
Isaac says he started making hand-crafted cars at home for his nephew and his neighbour’s children. He was advised to start mass producing them in order to sell them which turned out to be excellent advice.
During the 2010 Soccer World Cup, he sold his creations to tourists and he says they were impressed with his craftsmanship.
“I realised that there are not enough jobs for everyone in the country so I decided to use my skills and talent to feed my family”
He says he makes any model car that he sees in the newspaper, and took this project on as his daily job.
Isaac can be found by the fence at Paledi Mall, directly opposite the Sasol petrol station and he says more people are noticing his work. He even has learners approaching him requesting his assistance with their school projects.
“I would like to see more people support me as this is my way of feeding my family.” He said he is good with his hands and is able to make anything from what people consider to be rubbish, meaning the recycled cans.
Many people regard cans and plastic bottles as rubbish, yet innovative people like Isaac use them to make a living in order to support their families.
