Some dreams never die

VUSI Mthethwa sits in front of his makeshift easel, made up of a slanted table, short bench and plastic stool.

Light streaming through a small window overhead, he picks up a paintbrush to begin an artwork, not knowing if he will ever get paid for it.

Vusi’s art career began with pencil and paper in primary school. He grew up in Melmoth, completing school in 1995.

Having not taken art as a subject in school, he has not taken a formal art lesson in his life.

With no hope of a tertiary education, he began working as a security guard immediately after matriculating.

His first paycheck meant he finally had the money to buy art supplies, allowing him to transition into painting.

He has self-funded his dream of one day becoming a fully-fledged artist ever since.

Vusi still works as a security guard some 20 years later.

Nearing 40, the only difference is he is now married with five children, and staying at Mevamhlope Reserve in Ndlangubo just outside Empangeni.

Without an outlet to sell his work, he travelled by taxi to peddle his work door-to-door, selling where he could.

Being relatively unknown and living in a rural community meant commissions were rare, and the few people who did buy his work could barely afford to pay a high enough price for him to sustain himself.

Unwilling to relinquish his dream, he approached art dealer, Jahvid Chokuwenga two weeks ago and secured the opportunity to display some of his artworks in his gallery at Boardwalk Inkwazi Mall.

‘I just wish I could get the support to take it further and make it my career,’ says Vusi.

‘I’ve always wanted to study art or get a mentor to help me improve, and if I could teach art it would be a dream come true.’

For more information on Vusi’s artwork, contact Jahvid Chokuwenga on 063 3902523