RUNDU – Just across the office of the Kavango East governor, a group of five men is hard at work crafting various types of furniture from wooden pallets, all done without the use of machines.
These craftsmen have mastered the art of transforming wooden pallets into functional pieces, ranging from coffee tables and desks to beds, cupboards and doors. Their expertise extends to outdoor furniture as well, with the group readily crafting custom designs to meet their clients’ needs.
Despite the absence of modern machinery, these woodworkers showcase their skills and dedication through their work.
“We need to be supported in various ways. We are a group of men devoted to using our skills to put bread on the table and cater to our family’s needs. As you know, employment has become difficult for everyone, especially for those that have no degrees,’’ said Benny Chimboma (50), who said the group has perfected their woodworking skills without the necessary equipment.
“I stay at Ndama, and I come here every day to work. We don’t have machinery or an electrical saw to cut this wood, nor electricity. We need assistance from the government or any good Samaritan who can assist us in that regard. We rent this space for N$1 000 per month; the money we get is what we use to take care of our families. We are struggling here because we chose not to survive on the streets. We don’t want to do crime, we prefer working with our hands to earn an honest living.’’
Chimboma said the community should support them and buy their stuff and through that, they are ensuring their employment. They also fix broken wooden furniture.
Another skilled craftsman, Titus Kapinga (22), said he didn’t complete school due to certain reasons, but he has now made peace with it. He joined his father, who is also part of the group, to make furniture from the wooden pallets.
“I work with my father and the other men. My dad, is a full-time security guard, but makes time on his off days to work here as well, and when he is on night shift, he will come during the day,’’ he said.
“People sometimes come with their designs, and we produce them. For those that require machinery, we tell them we don’t have,” he noted. The group buys pallets that they use to manufacture their products.
-jmuyamba@nepc.com.na