Tshisaphungo has been making a living from clay for decades

The serious lack of employment in the country has prompted many South Africans to come up with initiatives of their own to sustain themselves. Many also look to others for guidance, to see how they have managed to survive on their own for decades.

One such person who has been tending for herself for many years is Ms Dorah Tshisaphungo (84) of Damani, who has been making the ever-popular decorative African pottery. Thanks to this humble craft, she has been able to look after her family and put her children through school, and all it took for her to start, was a little bit of creativity and clay.

Everything began way back in 1965. “My late mother was a renowned clay potter, and I learnt all the tricks from her. I started to design and shape my own products, using clay as medium,” she told Limpopo Mirror’s correspondent. Tshisaphungo’s business gradually grew, and her beautiful creations became sought after by local as well as international tourists. Her product range include traditional pots, flowerpots, cooking pots and decorative spoons.

“Although I initially thought it was a dirty job, I had no other alternative. I had a burning desire to improve the standard of life in my family. I taught myself to work hard with dedication and persistence, and so clay became my only source of income.”

She can still recall how she used to exchange some of her pottery products for food. “Those were the days. I remember exchanging my pottery for mealies and nuts, so that I could also eat. Money was not important back then. That was a long time ago.”

Tshisaphungo has dedicated her life to pottery, but now that she is reaching old age, she wants to share some of her expertise in this craft with the other women in her village. “Venda women once used to depend on pottery to make a living, raise families and send their children to school,” she said.

Tshisaphungo can be reached at 076 601 5357, should anyone be interested to learn the trade from her.

Entertainment - Date: 25 February 2022

Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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