Childhood hobby helps dad to pay kids’ university fees
43-year-old Willard Charumba combines toy-making and beadwork skills to make beautiful works of art
LIMPOPO – Young boys in rural areas use wires to make toys, and Willard Charumba has turned the childhood hobby into a profitable business that helps him pay university fees for two children.
The 43-year-old from Mokgolobotho village near Tzaneen combines toy-making and beadwork skills to make beautiful works of art which he sells to tourists and owners of guest houses.
“I am using a simple childhood hobby to tap into the tourism and hospitality industry. With the money I make, I am able to take care of my unemployed wife and four children, two of whom are at university. I saw a gap in the market and took advantage of it,” he said.
Charumba makes animals, birds, flowers and other ornamental pieces that sell for up to R400 each. He sells his works of art from the pavement of one of the busiest streets in Tzaneen and makes R1 000, on average, a day.
“There is no secret to success. All it takes is hard work, perseverance, focus and determination. You also have to believe in yourself. There are times when business is slow, but I don’t give up. A man has to do what a man must do to take care of his family,” he said.
He added that it is very important for unemployed people to start their own businesses as it is becoming difficult to find jobs as the country is in a recession.
“People who say there are no business opportunities in our rural areas are just lazy to think. The problem with our people is that they all want to sell vegetables at a social-grant paypoint.
“In the township, the market for cash-wash and chicken dust businesses is saturated. We must constantly challenge ourselves to come up with new business ideas. To succeed in any business, you must be original and unique. And there is nothing like instant success in life,” he said.
Charambu is ready to impart his skills to other people and invites anyone who wants to learn to call him on 083 734 1788.
