Carving out a living
“I also had to start making benches for me to sell and also hire. That helped me a lot to survive with my family. I must say I am proud of what I do because it takes me from one place to another and that I was able to create some other things that will
Cephas Thizirai (46) has been a woodcarver and sculptor for many years.
Growing up in Zimbabwe, Thizira learned the craft at a very young age to support his family.
A local resident advised him it was something he could do to make a living, but it is now something he is exceptionally passionate about.
“I am from Zimbabwe, where I learned to sculpt. I would come for business this side then I would head back home. Our economy was not doing well in my country when I decided to move here.”
Thizirai decided to permanently reside in South Africa in 2008. He would fetch logs near the Far East Rand Hospital to start sculpting his material.
“The business was doing very well, especially when the country was hosting the World Cup in 2010. Tourists would come and purchase whatever they liked,” he said.
He told the Advertiser his business was negatively affected last year by the lockdown.
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“So many businesses were affected, including mine, because we had to close down. It was really bad because this is what I do to take care of my family. I had to make a plan and start making something to support my family,” he said.
Thizirai had to sell his car to have a source of income to support his family.
“I also had to start making benches to sell and hire out. That helped me a lot to survive with my family. I must say, I am proud of what I do because it takes me from one place to another. I am also proud that I was able to create some other things that will bring bread to the table.
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“With the unemployment rate in this country, I would like to encourage people to be innovative. There is a lot that can be done and learned. We should stop waiting for the government and stand up for ourselves. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I know it is not easy, but it is possible,” said Thirizai.
For any enquiries about Thirizai’s work, contact him on 074 020 3516. He can be found at the corner of Zigzag and Wit roads.
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