TZANEEN: Erick sells firewood to survive
He chopped the tree to make firewood and immediately realised that he could make money selling firewood.
After losing his job as a farm worker, all he needed was an axe and a trolley to make a living.
Erick Bilankulu (41) from Blinkwater Village near Giyani is selling firewood in Tzaneen and the surrounding areas to support himself and his family back home.
Once he dropped out of school more than 20 years ago, Bilankulu has worked at a number of farms in Mopani area until in 2016 when he lost his job in one of the farms outside Tzaneen.
“As a result of trying to find a job from one farm to another, I lost my identity document at one of the places I was accommodated at for the night. Finding it was difficult as some of these places had a number of illegal immigrants occupying them,” said a visibly disturbed Bilankulu.
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Bilankulu said he went back home so that his relatives could assist him to get a smart identity card but failed because he could not produce the required documentation.
“I stayed at home for about two years depending on my sisters for food and other needs. One day while sitting at home pondering what to do to improve my life I saw a big tree that has fallen down some years ago not far from my home,” said Bilakulu.
He chopped the tree to make firewood and immediately realised that he could make money selling firewood.
“I made a few bundles which I sold to neighbours who used them for cooking and at times used the wood when hosting a braai,” he said.
Within a month, Bilankulu was selling to customers from neighbouring villages and shopping centre using a wheelbarrow as transport.
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“I started to make enough money to put food on the table at the end of the day. Last year I decided to expand my business and came to Tzaneen,” said Bilankulu.
Armed with an axe and a self made trolley, Bilankulu chops abandoned trees around town and sell firewood to food vendors.
The price for the wood he sells start from R50. Bilankulu is found mostly around Tzaneen Information Centre.
“If I didn’t come up with a plan to make a living, I would have been at home drinking traditional beer with older men who are getting government grants. I am glad I am able to take care of myself and assist my family where I can,” concluded Bilankulu.
