18 May 2016

Without any formal education nor training, even in the midst of poverty and abysmal conditions, Mr Mosukorume Hangari’s dream of saddle making never seemed far-fetched.

The 47 year old entrepreneur from Sehithwa, always had a dream and that dream was to see himself carving up-to-standard, readymade and fully polished saddles to sell in Sehithwa and surroudings.

The Semboyo-born craftman explained that his love for carving started way back in Mmamotau lands, near Tsau.

‘‘My extended family from my father's side were avid wood-cavers. I learnt a lot from them. I started imitating their work from a very young age. I was a fast learner hence I dedicated most of my time to making saddles more especially because I wasn’t attending school at the time.

After they relocated to Namibia, I took over the family business. The first-hand experience taught me a lot and I am still using that basic knowledge even in my business today,” said Mr Hangira.

The energetic businessman explained that the saddle making business is not for the faint-hearted rather requires one to be fully focused and determined in their craft.

It also obliges one to work long hours in order to get the work done on time, he noted adding that passion, hard work and dedication are also some of the key ingredients used in this industry.

A lot of material also has to be invested in the saddle business including leather, wood, plastic, laminated wood, steel, aluminium, spikes, pins and iron, Mr Hangira further explained.

He said a typical saddle includes a base frame which requires a lot of effort to cut down, carve and shape. Mr Hengari explains that there is still an open market for saddle making in Sehithwa as he faces little or no competition.

He sells most of his merchandise at affordable prices and his customers come in numbers from  as far as Kareng and Rakops.

“I am an advocate for customer satisfaction that is why most of my clients always rave about my work. I make sure that my orders are made and delivered on time to my clients,’’ he said.

Mr Hengari sells a ready-made polished saddle for  P2000 depending on the size. Residents of Sehithwa and surroundings readily support his business and his target market is mostly farmers.

 He uses the capital he earns to provide for his family as well as buy other material to continue production.

Some of the challenges facing Mr Hengari in his saddle business are that he does not have a sewing machine to patch leather.

Rather he said he uses his hands - which is a tedious and painful process. 

Mr Hengari noted that if he had a sewing machine his work will be much easier and faster-hence his orders will be made and delivered on time. 

He also explained that he wouldn’t mind a pair of extra hands but it is impossible to hire somebody at this stage to help him looking at the fact that he does not have enough money to pay them.

Another trial is that leather is very expensive.  A single batch is P1500 and can make up to three saddles and that reduces his profit margin.

Transport costs, he said is also a challenge as he buys all of his materials from Maun. ENDS