By Nuusita Ashipala
ONGWEDIVA – From the humble beginnings of collecting firewood, Jonas Johannes is now transforming old pieces of wood into lucrative breathtaking sculptures that he sells to members in his community and surrounding areas.
Johannes who hails from Etayi Constituency said: “What once started off as a hobby has become a full-time job.” According to Johannes sitting idle at home waiting to go to bed on a hungry stomach was never an option.
“I needed to do something so I started collecting pieces of wood to carve traditional accessories and cutlery to make a living,” said Johannes.
Today, Johannes is the proud owner of a new business – Ngondjodi Carving – which employs five people. Ngondjodi translates into – ‘it is like a dream’.
Johannes disclosed that he had always had a passion to make something out of nothing such as transforming an ugly piece of wood into something worth taking home.
“We take these pieces of wood and craft them into beautiful sculptures and decorate them beautifully and sometimes add the traditional colour to attract customers to buy,” said Johannes.
Johannes said although the business is still new the income he generates he is able to share with his co-workers and still manages to support his family of eight children.
According to Johannes the business was previously constrained by the lack of resources but with the donation he received from the Etayi Constituency through the Omusati Regional Council Micro-Finance Project, production has been boosted.
According to Johannes the generator and driller and other small equipment that he received last week will not only boost production, but will accelerate the pace of work.
Johannes said that in the near future he would expose his business to a wider spectrum of potential sales.
“We plan to take our business on the road, so that tourists who are travelling from Oshikango to Ruacana via the Oshikango-Outapi road can also buy from us,” said Johannes.
The stern Johannes believes that if his business is well exposed it stands a good chance to grow big, adding that traditional art carved goods remain in massive demand – however currently the demand does not meet supply.