Mapentane brings colour to restore, renew ‘old’ vehicles
Growing up, John 'Mapentane' Chauke had a passion for spray painting vehicles as he was always the best learner in art at his school.
LIMPOPO – When the 27-year-old from Extension 76 outside Polokwane completed his matric in 2010,
he followed his painting dreams and joined his father’s friend who was a panel beater to gain skills and knowledge on painting cars.
In 2013, he moved to Lebowakgomo Township to start working on his own and only returned to his kasi of Extension 76 last year.
Today, Mapentane is the most preferred car spray painter around Polokwane.
He specialises in spray painting and dent removal, however, if there are cars that need panel beating, he hires a skilled panel beater for the job.
“When I work on a client’s car, I take my time to produce proper results,” said Mapentane.
He told CV that since he started painting he never had a complaint related to his work, but it’s always difficult for him because some customers give him a hard time when it comes to paying for his service.
“Some of the customers are my friends so they always want to take advantage of our friendship by refusing to pay, which stifles my business as I’m not making any profit and won’t be able to buy painting material as a result,” he said.
He further said he paints any model including taxis and he changes colours only upon the car owner’s request.
He added his dream is to see his business grow so that he can be able to create jobs for unemployed youth in his kasi.
