SEBOKENG.- Semenyane Mahlatsi, a 42-year-old man from Sebokeng, has turned his God-given talent into a source of income by crafting intricate wire models of cars.
Sedibeng Ster recently visited him at his makeshift stall near the Palm Springs four-way stop sign to uncover the inspiration behind his unique creations. Mahlatsi recounted that he stumbled upon his talent in 1996, recognising his skill with his hands. Initially, he pursued this craft purely for enjoyment, but with unemployment weighing heavily upon him, it gradually transformed into a means of survival.
“Being unemployed, I had to find a way to support my family,” Mahlatsi explained.
“Sitting idle was not an option. As the head of the household, the pressure to provide for my family, especially my children, was immense. In our society, the respect accorded to a man is often tied to his employment status. Hence, I decided to utilise the talent bestowed upon me by God.”
While acknowledging the challenges of his situation, Mahlatsi finds solace in the modest income generated from selling his wire cars.
“I won’t claim to be making a fortune, but it’s enough to make ends meet,” he noted.
On a good week,Mahlatsi can earn up to R 1 000 from his sales, with prices varying depending on the intricacy of the car models he creates. Despite his current circumstances, Mahlatsi harbours ambitious dreams for the future.
He expressed a desire to be recognised by established car companies for his innovative designs, hoping for an opportunity to contribute his skills within a corporate setting. Additionally, he aspires to establish his own manufacturing company, envisioning a future where his wire cars are mass-produced under his brand.
