Belinda Kulatau
RUNDU – Rundu-based artist Frans Haukongo believes that communication can take place in different forms and for him, art is his best communication tool.
Having grown up in an abusive home that disrupted him from completing school, Haukongo is hard at work fighting against all odds to build a brand that earns him a living.
Upon entering Haukongo’s studio, one could already sense his passion just by the unique cars, animals and shoe sculptures on display.
“I love working with my hands. I started my art journey while I was staying with my father in Swakopmund at age 14,” said Haukongo, who was born 30 years ago at Onehaungo village in northern Namibia.
“My father was a man who believed in using his hands to make and fix things around the house; everything he could, he fixed,” he said.
In the beginning, Haukongo started collecting wires and making wire cars for himself and his friends to play with. He later started using old cardboard boxes to make the cars. As he grew older, he realised that this could be more than just a hobby and started taking it seriously.
“I saw that I’m gifted. Currently, I make a variety of cars, animal statues as well as cardboard box shoes that I sell to tourists and some locals to use as decorations in their homes and so on,” he noted.
Haukongo told Youth Corner that he is also keen and open to learning new skills and is inviting anyone who is interested in teaching him new skills to reach out to him, as he believes that the only way for one to grow artistically is to learn from others.
“I think it’s important to help each other. We can learn a lot from each other; what I know, the next person may not know and vice versa, so it’s good to teach each other,” he said.
The reserved young man said spending time in his workshop while being creative is how he communicates with the world and it keeps him out of trouble and making money. However, just like most entrepreneurs, his biggest challenge is funding to buy materials for his art.
“I need money to buy materials such as glue, blades and other items that I use to create my art. Sometimes, I can’t make my model cars or any other products due to affordability. Therefore, anyone willing to sponsor me with some materials is welcome. Also, anyone who is interested in learning what I do is welcome to visit me at Wera Café here in Rundu. I like it when I teach others to do what I can do,” Haukongo noted.
Asked about his future plans, the craftsman hopes to get better at what he does and one day build a real car and be the first to do such in Namibia.
“I mean, why not? I believe it is possible,” he said.
Haukongo encouraged fellow youths to always try their best to explore what type of work they can do with their hands, especially if they did not get an opportunity to finish school.
“That way they are able to sustain themselves and their families.”
*Belinda Kulatau is an information officer for MICT in the Kavango East region.