02 Nov 2014

He knew that his existence was not by a coincidence but a preordained journey to greater achievements in future despite his disability conditions.

The 29-year-old Kagiso Moswaang of Hukuntsi in Kgalagadi District does not categorise himself as a person with disability. Moswaang received his primary education at Mosiiwa Primary School. It was during those schooling days when his artistic potential started to manifest. 

“I started drawing different things using pencil when I was in standard two,’’ he said. As he advanced to secondary education, his love for art propelled him to select it as an optional subject. At that juncture, he shifted from pencil drawing to sculpture design, he said. 

Moswaang used various materials mostly paper mesh, glasses and wood to design sculptures as they were easily accessible and prudent to work with.  However, he later realised that his sculptures were not eye-catching. 

After a considerable thought and advice from an Australian art teacher, he resorted to painting in substitution to sculpture design.  Although he had moved between different materials in pursuit of artistic perfection, he has conceded that he feels at home with painting now.

“Accuracy and good colour combination are very crucial to painting.  Every artistic piece you are doing, the final layer is the paint and everyone who put their eyes on your piece first sees its colour before examining other details,’’ he said.

He still recalls vividly one exhibition he attended as a student at Jwaneng in 2002 where he emerged victorious and had a chance to get a motivation from facilitators. Two years later, he competed at a youth rally in Ukhwi and got position one.

With this exposure and experience, the Hukuntsi -based artist decided not to study but instead got employment. He is adamant that life is all about putting bread on the table legitimately not only through education.

‘’I encourage those who have the potential to use their skills for survival to do so, if they have failed to advance academically,’’ he said.

In 2008, he registered his business called Bangologa Craft Investment and it now rents a room in VDC market next to Hukuntsi Tribal Administration Offices. The business specialises in selling art works and printing of T-shirts according to customer’s demand, he said.

Moswaang said his business also enjoys tremendous growth and has earned him excellent reputation, winning an award in disability category at Gaborone Show in 2012.  He said other artwork on display included beautiful designs of jewellery, sculptures, pencil drawings and pottery. 

The sparkling pieces commanded attention from onlookers and potential buyers.  He also had a chance to exchange ideas with other exhibitors and sold some of his artwork.  ‘’My products never last at the exhibitions because of their quality and uniqueness,’’ he said.

When asked about his success ingredients for his business, he said humility towards everyone has attracted many customers to his business, including hard work, perseverance and passion which had sustained him during awkward business times.

The sky is the limit for his business as it continues to enjoy government tenders, adding that he supplied S&CD with printed T-shirts for disability day held in Werda last year. Moswaang said his business faces challenges of materials such as ink, oil paints that are purchased far from Gaborone and is costly. 

To curtail this problem, he had diversified his economy by introducing graphic design. He designs weeding invitation cards, funeral programmes and calendars.In future, Moswaang plans to open various shops countrywide to sell his artwork and also wants to see his artworks hanging in the walls of the National Museum. ENDS