Mfuneko makes manufacturing masks his mission
The self-taught tailor's latest project involves making masks which he distributes free of charge to his colleagues at Westville Prison.
Meet Mfuneko Mti (36), the man with the big heart and hands always willing to help the less fortunate. From donating uniforms to more than 50 schools in the Bizana area to teaching young people how to sew and turn this skill into a business to provide for their families, it seems there’s just nothing Mfuneko won’t take on.
The self-taught tailor’s latest project involves making masks which he distributes free of charge to his colleagues at Westville Prison.”When the president announced that as of May 1, the wearing of masks would be compulsory, I decided to put my skills to good use,” he said. He recycled an old uniform to make make new masks for his colleagues who are exposed to the virus on a daily basis. About 100 masks are being produced daily.
Growing up in the rural village of Nomlacu near Bizana, Mfuneko had dreams, just like many others in his community.Having faced many challenges, ranging from lack of information to lack of resources, Mfuneko made it a point to take the initiative and learn how to sew. From there he began printing t-shirts, which sold so well he was able to buy his very first machine in 2015. “I was so excited, you have no idea. It was like a dream for me. Today I have enough equipment and I use it to help others.”
For Mfuneko, giving back to his community is what helped him beat depression. “That was quite a journey for me, and helping others helped me beat it. If I’m not giving back to my community in some way, I’m baking or trying out a new recipe. I’m also very good with my hands, and can even plait hair,” he laughed.
As if he wasn’t already doing enough, Mfuneko also runs a Facebook group for those suffering from depression, called ‘Depression is real’.”The group has been very helpful. I get calls from people from all over the country seeking advice and wanting to share their stories. Many of them come back to say thank you when they’ve beaten the depression.”
Mfuneko’s favorite meal is samp and beans, and he enjoys reading in his spare time – if he gets any!
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