Talented Tati Siding man makes use of old tyres
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Friday December 8, 2017 17:12
The young man recycles tyres making different and elegant products from tyre chairs to flower pots and lounge tables. In an interview with Arts & Culture, Moatlhodi said he started his business this year. He was inspired by all the tyres that are polluting the environment and decided to recycle them and turn them into what people could appreciate and value.
“I once saw different items made of recycled tyres in South Africa and I knew I could do better than those that I saw. I started doing a research on the internet on different things that could be made with tyres. That is when my passion on using tyres grew and I decided to give it a try,” he said.
Moatlhodi does not only use tyres to make various products. This talented artist has the ability to play around with different materials and items such as drums, glass and others to come up with masterpieces. His products have been a centre of attraction and have gone viral on social media such as Facebook where the young man always advertises his work. His magical artistic hands have the ability to turn worn out tyres into gold.
His masterpieces include ducks, cups and handbags, flowerpots, coffee tables with a top made of tyre and glass, sets of chairs and tables and many more.
He said since making and selling his products, he could pay his bills and bring food to table. However, this 31-year-old artist is facing challenges. He pointed out that some of his challenges were some customers who fail to pay on time as well as those who negotiate to get the products at a lesser price.
“I want to see my business growing, creating employment for our youth. I am happy that people really appreciated my work and I’m inspired by their comments on social media where I normally advertise my work,” he said proudly.
He pointed out that poverty starts from the mind saying that a mind that has dreams but never implement them was a useless mind. He added that if a person wants to progress, they must not let their perception of life or education deceive them but use their intelligence to work for them.
“Do not let that degree or any other certificate to deceive you more especially in this era where we have lack of jobs and high unemployment rate amongst the youth. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and work as an ox for your business. Your hard work will pay off. I am an artisan boilermaker by profession yet I decided to do art to put food on the table whilst keeping the environment pollution free from tyres,” he said proudly.
He collects his tyres from garages and those that are disposed around, with the aim to recycle to clean the environment. Furthermore, Moatlhodi pleaded with the government to help him with funds to expand his business.