Modern wood crafting is Mr Masilela’s first love
Mr Xolani Masilela expresses his love for modern wood work through his crafts.
eMBALENHLE – Mr Xolani Masilela (30) loves to work with wood and to do wood craft.
His crafts are modern and he specialises in household products such as furniture, decor and utilities.
His father used to sell dry wood blocks and pallets were delivered to be sawed down to make small blocks to be sold for R3 and R5 when he was in primary school.
When he was in Grade 9, Mr Masilela had to do a school project that consisted of anything made out of wood.
His advantage was that wood was at his disposal at home.
“I made cricket stumps and bats and the end products were so good that nobody believed that I had made them.
“My project was stolen, but I received good marks and losing them was not a problem,” he said.
After completing Grade 12, Mr Masilela wanted to make wooden items and did research about the products that he wanted to focus on.
Also read: Crafters showcase their work to public
Mr Masilela’s products have been well received by the community.
“The response to my work was better than what I had anticipated,” he said.
Some of the challenges that he faces is a lack of time, work space and machinery.
Mr Masilela looks up products online to ensure that his designs stay relevant.
He works from a mini workshop at home with an outside space for cutting, dismantling and storing pallets.
“I always have an urge to learn whatever is necessary to catch people’s eyes as every creative dream must leave a mark that will stand out from the rest of the many out there.”
Mr Masilela believes that hand-made products last longer than others.
“Hand-made products have a powerful soul and they always stand out.
“The industry is changing fast, but staying passionate about crafting hand-made products will never change for me.”
He is saving up to buy a proper work space with industrial tools to mass produce his products.
“I want my products to be in the main stream and to be in every corner of South Africa’s big retail companies.
“Like any field of creative arts, it is not for everyone but is a birthright gift from God.
“No one will ever believe in your dreams until you are committed and focused on what you wish to build while you ignore any negativity,” said Mr Masilela.
