Lazarus Mpaque, affectionately known as Lazma, is a graphic designer, photographer, and father to his son, Andzani. He was born on the outskirts of Giyani in a village called N’wamarhanga where he was raised by his grandparents after his mother passed away. “After passing matric at Nghonyama High in 2012, I went to work at a local farm 7km away from home, walking 14km a day to earn R30 a day.

At the time I Started to teach myself computer skills, helping friends and family to do their CVs and local schools to link printers,” he says. “I was always fascinated with art and this passion led me to pursue music as a singer and producer working with local singers in my early years.” He then ventured into graphic design teaching himself skills on YouTube.

He started his own successful graphic design studio, Lazma Designs. In 2015, realising the problems villagers face with internet connectivity, he and a partner started to provide easy access WiFi for events and functions. His love for design and branding inspired his first clothing brand two years later, The Crowns. “The success of The Crowns gave me exposure and led to other business ventures,” he says.

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Lazma started to teach himself photography after borrowing R6000 to buy his first camera. “I believe that if something is not available, I have to be the one providing it for other people, and I do not believe in failing. I believe ‘Ku kholeriwa swa tlharihisa’, meaning people that do not support you or disappoint you, make you smart,” he adds

“I posted my shoots on social media and from there on I received bookings for photo shoots, weddings and events This gave way to the birth of Lazma Photography. “Today I’m a popular Limpopo photographer,” he says. Knowing the challenges of young people growing up in villages, he has also used his skills to help improve and develop his community.

“I have a programme that helps educate teenage girls on reproductive health and provide them with sanitary pads.” He also gifts schoolchildren with shoes, matric dance attires and address other needs. “I believe that when you empower children you are empowering a future generation,” he says. Lazma is now venturing into modelling and wants to help young rural girls on the path of modelling. To learn more about his new venture, call Lazma at 067 378 2844.