LIMPOPO – The 46-year-old man from Muhlava village near Tzaneen makes a living as a shoe-repairer, builder, welder, carpenter, sign-writer, painter and artist.
While many people in the impoverished community are waiting for RDP houses, this go-getter made his own bricks and built a modest five roomed house for his wife and child.
When CV visited him last Saturday, we found him roofing a neighbour’s house, proving that there is nothing he cannot do with his hands.
He is also a road runner who has taken part in prominent races such as the Comrades and Soweto marathons, winning a total of 25 gold, silver and bronze medals.
“I can’t hear and I can’t speak, but I thank God as He has given me two hands and two legs. Everything I know, I taught myself. I will never go hungry and I don’t expect charity from anyone. I believe in myself and my ability to overcome any challenges,” he said, through translations from his wife.
Born into a poor family, Ubisi started his education at a primary school for normal children.
‘I didn’t hear what the teachers were saying and they thought I was just a slow learner. While other children learned how to read and write, I was drawing images on my book. Eventually, I quit school in Gr 2,” he said, adding that it took him many years to learn to rely on his hands.
Today, Ubisi is a busy artist who creates business signs and draws logos for local businesses. He was recently hired to paint local chief, Samuel Muhlava’s, newly built house.
He also does T-shirt printing for local stokvels and community-based burial societies.
“When people want something done, they call on me. I am disabled, but not unable. It disappoints me when I see young people who have two hands and all the five senses roaming the streets and complaining about lack of jobs. I advise them to identify a gap in their community and create their own business opportunities,” he said.
People who want to offer Ubisi signwiring, painting, building or T-shirt printing jobs can call his wife on 071 918 8980.
