17 Oct 2018

Mr Blackie Tjikaka, 79, of Makakung in the North West District never imagined himself as a gunsmith until his gun broke 20 years ago.

Since he had never fixed a gun before, he sought assistance from someone who could not fix it and he decided to do the job himself.

That was the beginning of a long career for self taught Mr Tjikaka who is now a gunsmith of choice in Maun.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Tjikaka, who is also known as Mokobatau, stated that his job had become part of his life and that he was passionate about it.

He said it was a God given talent that was appreciated by many since he had now perfected the skill through practice.

Mr Tjikaka said his business was doing well and that he was content with what he does.

“My business affords me to feed my family and sustain it,” he stated.

He said before being known as a gunsmith, he was a reputable marksman in Ngamiland during the 1970s and 1980s.

Mr Tjikaka said he was a farmer and a hunter, but relocated to Maun to focus on repairing guns.

He said he had a wide customer base, adding that “my clients come from as far as Gaborone and Kgalagadi for service.”

Mr Tjikaka said not everyone could fix guns hence he considered it a scare skill which he hoped to pass on to his last born son for him to continue the legacy. ENDS