LONGTILL – Pensioner Philip Magane (72) is an expert in pottery, as locals who believe in culture and tradition always descend on his home for top-of-the-range wooden products.
This self-employed father of 12 says he will never starve while he can still use his hands.
“I raised my kids with the money I got from selling wooden spears, chairs, tables and spoons. I manage to make well-furnished products out of the trees I find in the forest. If you want to see how gifted I am, just bring me wood,” said the determined father.
Magane first realised his unique talent back in 1996 following his retrenchment at a bricklaying company due to ill health. After his recovery, he spotted a gap in the market and decided to venture into woodwork.
He runs his business from his home in Eerstergeluk and welcomes more than a dozen customers a day. He finishes his products within a short space of time.
“I had been practicising this craft for years, it’s easy for me, to finish a wooden pot in less than 20 minutes.”
On a good business day, Magane generates more than R200 and sometimes he sells his products to tourists visiting the platinum province. His career highlight has been selling more than 150 wooden pots and spoons to Angolan tourists.
He urges local principals and the department of education to consider woodwork as one of the major subjects in matric.
“Not all our kids will work in mines; I am available to teach them how to manufacture home appliances with their bare hands. I can help those learners who excel in handwork if given that opportunity.”
Magane intends to employ locals in advancing his business.
