Bonginkosi Andries Mahole runs Tsakane Art Project at Faranani Multipurpose Centre in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni, which uses white clay to produce clay pots. The initiative, which has been operating since 2014, is the only one which specialises in training young South Africans in clay sculpturing in the entire Ekurhuleni, something Mahole considers “ground-breaking”. At present students do not pay for training fees.
In 2016, two years will have passed since Tsakane Art Project was established. Nevertheless, to all intents and purposes, the initiative is still work in progress, as it has yet to generate sufficient revenue to sustain itself, says Mahole. “Right now what drives the organisation is purely passion.”
Mahole has to dig deep in his pocket, at times using his last cent, to pay for running costs. “The income we get is not just sufficient. We have to pay rent, transport for two our dedicated people, Zinhle and Thabang, and other expenses.”
In spite of the hurdles, the most important thing in the interim is not generating profit but art skills development, asserts Mahole. “Our primary interest is perfecting skills of trainee artists.”
Nonetheless, admitting that passion alone won’t pay bills in future, Mahole says, the team at Tsakane Art Project is working tirelessly for the institution “to stand on its feet”. “At some point, students will have to pay for the training, which will be one of the income sources>”
Tsakane Art Project’s objective is to train artists who will in turn train others to pass on their skills gained.
In contrast with fellow artists, who are influenced by their background, Mahole somewhat stumbled upon art. His casual stroll at an exhibition in the Maboneng Precinct ignited interest in art which has never waned. “I saw a clay sculpture which tickled my fancy and went on to ask where I could enroll to learn how to do this form of art. I was directed to Klipspruit, where I was welcome.”
Does it need a special gene for one to be an artist who can live on their work?
Mahole is very frank about the 2015 matriculants who see art as a possible profession. “It’s never easy; nothing is. Set your goals and stick to them with discipline. You have to be realistic with yourself. Sometimes things may not always work your way, and always have a Plan B, which will ensure that you don’t starve as you chase your dream,” he says.
Mahole is grateful to Zinhle and Thabang, who hail from Soweto, for their selflessness. ‘Without their compassion, we would not have lasted this long.”
Tsakane Art Project sells its products online, on social networks such as Facebook and through exhibitions.
