TSHANDAMA – The South African history book of sculpting will be incomplete if it does not feature the name of Hulisani Begwa (10) in a special chapter. He has lived life to the full although he is very young and he has successfully proved that success does not depend on the age of a person.

The little intelligent and highly creative Grade 4 school boy sculpts beautiful wooden spoons and drums which he sells to the public to make some cash. While other boys of his age play games after school, Hulisani speaks the language of wood, chisel and sandpaper.

Mirror paid a special visit to Hulisani to find out the secret behind his success. Looking at his tiny body, one can easily take him for granted, but there is a giant inspirational genius inside the little boy’s body.

“I started sculpting in 2003 when I was only eight years old. At first, I only took it as a time-wasting leisure activity but I realized that I have a special sculpting talent. My father, Solomon, who survives on woodcarving, taught me all the skills and encouraged me to nurture my talent. I do my sculptures after school and on weekends because I don’t want to disturb my school work…” says Hulisani, who attends Tshandama Primary School.

Hulisani does his sculptures at Tshandama – Makhithani, near Tshilamba, with fellow adult members of the Tshandama Freeedom Arts Market.

“I can make up to four wooden spoons per day which I sell at R10 each. I can sell between four and five spoons per week and the money helps me to buy clothes and food at school. I am also saving some money, which I hope will help me to further my studies when I grow up…”

The young sculptor says he can make at least one wooden drum per day, which he sells at R150.

“My father assists me to fit the cow skin on the drum so that it can produce a good sound. The drums are not in great demand but I can sell at least one per month…”

Hulisani says he uses the wood from a tree called Muvhambangoma to make his sculptures. “Its wood is very strong and I know my sculptures will be a lifetime investment for my customers…”

His customers include local community members and tourists who pass along the main road near his spot.

He encourages other young kids of his age to use their talents effectively for their own benefit and their societies.

“We can use our hands to supplements our parents’ income. Besides making some fortune, the sculpting trade keeps me away from criminal activities. Kids also have the potential to succeed in the formally adult dominated industries, but only our positive attitudes will make us victors…”