“I was inspired into wood sculpturing after going for many years without employment. I decided to utilize my talent and I have never looked back since I arrived in South Africa. When I was at home I heard that there were many job opportunities – but when I arrived here was shocked as I confronted the same problem as in Zimbabwe.
Since then I have been teaching my fellow countrymen how to sustain life through creativity. I have a group of 30 young people whom I teach wood sculpturing here from my own pocket,” said the sculptor, who is dubbed the ‘Big Five’, after his wood sculptures of elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffaloes by his clients.
His wood sculptures vary in sizes, but for a medium piece Lubimbi charges R4,000. His clients come from all over the world. In the past decade, SADC countries have been experiencing continued growth in unemployment, with youths being the most affected group despite their excellent educational background.
Early this year former South African President Thabo Mbeki warned African governments of revolt by youths if unemployment was not immediately addressed.
Post published in: Arts