06 Jul 2014

Many people who are born with some sort of disability have proved beyond reasonable doubt that their handicap is not a disability but rather a gift for the world to appreciate and see that their creator is marvellous.

Whether they are visually challenged, have hearing impairment  or born without limps, the world continues to be shocked at the ability of these people as they prove to the world what they are capable of doing.

Botswana, too,  has such who have risen beyond their challenges to be what they want to be in life. One may remember the likes of the late music maestro Donald Botshelo and many other artistes who continue to amaze people with their talents.

It seems Pudologong Rehabilitation Centre in Mochudi has been a centre of excellence for many people with disability especially those who are visualy challenged who get an opportunity to be nurtured and guided according to their talents and gifts.

Among them, one Mr Shadrack Ndlovu, stands out. Through the centre he gained training on putting his hands to good use by designing and manufacturing chairs of different designs. The most amazing thing about this man is that he has lost his sight but his ability to use his hands to make these chairs leaves many in awe.

Mr Ndlovu himself cannot explain his ability to use his hands without seeing a thing but thanks God for being able to earn a living from his talent.

He said if one was given a chance to learn a certain craft they should do so with all their heart as that could turn things around for them.

Many, who passed the man at his working stall under a tree near Linchwe Junior Secondary School, looked in awe at the beautiful chairs displayed for all to see. Mr Ndlovu said after learning his trade, he began his work so that he could put food on the table.

With the help of the social and community department through funding for purchasing materials, he was able to kick-start his project.

He said welding students from Mochudi Brigade Centre helped him design the shapes of the chairs he wanted. “I tell them the shape that I want and they do as I ask,” he said, adding that when the shapes had been made, he would begin to curl and weave them using mokolwane leaves which he got from the Okavango and Nata areas.

He said he had a relative who assisted him with the acquisition of these palm tree leaves even though the major challenge he faced was the distance from which he got his material.

Nevertheless, the 55-year-old Ndlovu who is also married to the visually impaired Antonia, said life had challenges but it did not mean one should give up.

He said together with his wife they learnt different life skills while still at Pudologong between the years of 1987 and 1990 which included sewing, weaving, home economics and music, among others. Mr Ndlovu remains a marvel to many as he crafts his chairs with such perfection that somebody may argue that he was assisted by someone.

He said it took patience to achieve greatness, adding that he believed that one day he would make a mark in the industry. Mr Ndlovu was adamant that his skill was God given and would continue to use it for the upliftment of his life and family. ENDS