PHALABORWA – While most people spent the Covid-19 lockdown waiting for life to return to normal, one young man from Makhushane village used the time to bring his dream to life by building his very own concept car from scratch.

Thabiso Mosoma, also known as “Jackstha,” is a 28-year-old self-taught innovator who spent five years building what he proudly calls the ‘Phalaborwa Concept Car.’ With no formal training or financial support, and working from his backyard, Mosoma achieved what many with engineering degrees have never dared to try.

“I started building the car in 2020 during lockdown. The first test drive was in February 2024. It took five years because I am unemployed and had to work slowly with the little I had. The car is not yet complete,” said Mosoma.

After completing his matric in 2018, Mosoma applied to further his studies with a qualification in engineering fabrication but was never accepted. Instead of giving up, he turned to the internet.

“I taught myself by doing research and watching videos. YouTube became my university,” he explained. His deep appreciation for cars and how they work started at an early age. His father, Piet Mosoma, a self-taught mechanic, introduced him to the world of engines, gears, and tools.

“My father kept me by his side every day, teaching me not only the mechanics but also practical skills and an appreciation for how cars function. He did not want me to be influenced by negative friends, so he made sure that every day after school, I learned something new about cars. In 2004, he designed and built his own car at home. From that year, I dreamed of building my own. I began by creating toy cars, bicycles, and robots to improve my skills,” he shared.

Mosoma highlighted that his concept car was built using parts from scooters, motorcycles, and quad bikes. He relied on basic tools such as a welding machine, drill, angle grinder, and a set of spanners, and even bent the metal by hand. The car uses a 150cc scooter engine, combined with a quad bike gearbox, and runs on petrol.

“I work alone because most people do not understand this kind of work, but I do teach a few high school learners when they are available. I show them how to fix petrol engines and do fabrication,” he continued.

The 28-year-old talented innovator said that his journey has not been easy, and he has faced financial challenges.

“Building a car is expensive. Since I am unemployed, I rely on fixing motorcycles and cars, but sometimes I go weeks without customers. Whatever profit I make, I have to split it between personal needs and building the car. Money is my biggest challenge,” said Mosoma.

He also mentioned that many people had promised to help him finish the car or invest in his ideas, but none have followed through. However, he believes in the power of his talent to change lives.

“If I get support from the community or the government, we can finish the Phalaborwa Concept Car and even start a company. We might not build cars yet on a large scale, but we can manufacture bicycles, go-karts, and motorcycles that will generate income and create jobs,” Mosoma concluded.