Multi-talented wood carver Mr Enos Phalanndwa (68) continues to produce remarkable work and has been passing on his skills to promising young wood carvers from around Tshandama village.
Phalanndwa began carving wood in 1972. “At first, it was nothing more than a pastime, but then I began to realise that I really had a knack for it,” he said.
Phalanndwa’s work can almost be classified as fine art. He creates everything from chairs and tables to animal and human figures, bowls, trays, and large wooden spoons, to name a few, and his work sells very well. He believes that part of his success is due to the accessibility and affordability of his products. “I don’t charge that much, and this makes business sense to me. To tell you the truth, I have never gone to bed hungry since I started,” he said.
He offers advice to those with special skills: to use them instead of sitting around and waiting for employment. “Your skills can become your employer, and if used on a larger scale, they could also create jobs for others.”
His customers include people from local communities as well as tourists who pass by the spot where he exhibits his handiwork along the main road. “Even when people do not buy my work on a daily basis, I am able to survive on what I earn from my crafts,” he said. When it comes to his work, he truly enjoys what he does. “I see it more as a hobby than a money-making venture,” he said.
Phalanndwa is looking for someone who can help promote his wood carvings at a national level. “I believe that this would be a breakthrough for my career, as thousands of people would learn about the good work I’m doing here in Vhembe.”
He recently started facilitating arts workshops and skills-transfer programmes for local youths, who flock to his yard after school. For this purpose, he built an open shelter that serves as a classroom.
