Ms Mathilda Avhashoni Mamatseane, a disabled carpenter from Gondeni la Mabilu, who recently won an award at the Murumba Cultural Parade Awards, aims to inspire other disabled individuals. The awards ceremony took place at Tshifulanani Stadium on Friday, 15 December. Mamatseane received recognition in the Arts and Crafts category for her exceptional craftsmanship.
The Murumba Cultural Parade Awards, hosted by the Nyavhumbwa Wa Dagaila Cultural village, provide a platform for local artists and groups to showcase their skills.
The 34-year-old Mamatseane, who lost her job during the Covid lockdown period, expressed gratitude, stating that winning the award was an unexpected honour. “I am very honoured about winning this award. I did not expect it at all. I would like to thank God, who has given me this talent regardless of the challenges I face daily when I craft in the village. I have been working so hard, and it has always been my prayer to be recognised for my talent. Murumba Cultural Parade is helping artists like me by allowing us to showcase our work to the world,” she said.
She hopes that her award will inspire other disabled individuals to have the confidence to produce excellent work despite their disabilities.
Working from her home, Mamatseane creates various furniture pieces, including dining tables, coffee tables, side tables, decorative and cultural ornaments, as well as kitchen utensils such as spoons (lufo), trays, bowls (ndilo), and many other useful items, all made from natural wood.
She believes that disabled people should supplement their disability grants. “The time for sitting around and waiting for handouts is over. We all have brains; let us start using them and come up with ways to keep ourselves productive and self-sufficient. The country has many opportunities for everyone, including the disabled. Let us prove our worth and show that we are not less equal than others,” Mamatseane said.