21 Aug 2026

Phomolo Mathekga, a 24 year-old Motswana from Tsetsebye, has turned his passion for innovation into a thriving business that transforms cement into durable outdoor furniture, custom log gates, rock-art walls and kgotla structures that closely resemble natural wood and stone. His journey began in 2023 after he discontinued his Bachelor of Science degree in Quantity Surveying at Ba Isago University. 

Determined to build a career with his hands, Mathekga taught himself the art of crafting outdoor furniture from cement through extensive research, experimentation and practice. He remains a self-taught and self-funded artisan. At the early stages of his business, he worked alongside Eliphus Moshokwa, who helped bring his creative ideas to life.  Moshokwa said Mathekga introduced innovative techniques for creating artificial pavement, rock-motif and wood-motif designs using cement.

 He credited Mathekga with mentoring him in the craft and inspiring him to pursue the trade independently.

“My journey is about preserving natural resources by recreating their beauty in cement. Real wood rots quickly and is attacked by termites, so I taught myself to cast cement into wood and log designs that last for years without rotting and can withstand rain and sunshine,” said Mathekga.

He said his customer base had steadily grown across Botswana through Facebook marketing and word-of-mouth referrals andd clients include homeowners, lodges, schools, offices and community spaces such as dikgotla, with prices varying according to size, design, quantity and installation requirements.

Mathekga emphasised that cement art was not a side business but his full-time career.

“This is my main career, and I am ready to exhibit and grow every day. Although I am not yet a member of any arts association or hosted exhibitions, I am open to opportunities that will help promote my work locally and internationally,” he said.

One of his greatest challenges, he said, was convincing people that his products were made primarily from cement reinforced with steel because the wood-grain finish appeared so realistic.

Despite this, he believed the future of cement art was promising as more customers sought durable, low-maintenance outdoor furniture.

 He said technology helped him develop new ideas while social media enabled him to reach a wider customer base, although creativity and hard work remain essential.

With Botswana’s 60th Independence celebrations approaching, Mathekga plans to design a commemorative bench, table set and log gate symbolising strength, durability and nation-building.

He hopes to establish cement art as a recognised craft in Botswana by opening a workshop that creates employment opportunities for young people while supplying durable products across Botswana and the wider SADC region.

Mathekga encouraged aspiring cement artisans to identify problems within their communities, remain consistent and use social media to showcase their work. 

Mathekga further appealed to fellow artists to protect their intellectual property by patenting their ideas and forming partnerships with companies that could help expand their markets.

“My designs are unique, and I would like to see stronger protection for small creators so that people do not copy and sell our work without giving credit. I source all my materials locally in Botswana, and I remain open to partnerships that support local craftsmanship and youth employment,” he said.

A customer, Sylippa Kamogelo, praised the quality of his craftsmanship, saying his products were highly durable and resistant to termite damage, making them a worthwhile long-term investment. ENDS