Hidden talent

Thabani Mthethwa, a 24-year-oldartist born in Bhukhanana, has not let his disability stop him from pursuing his passion.

Mthethwa was born with a deformed hand and is a self-taught artist who has been drawing since the age of eight.

After finishing matric from Nkosithandile High School, Mthethwa has been drawing every day since.

Unfortunately, getting exposure for his artwork is almost impossible. Currently living in Ntambonambi, he has no transport of his own and cannot afford the taxi fare into town every day.

‘I love drawing and will draw anything,’ Mthethwa says. ‘I enjoy doing portraits but I love landscapes too. I have been trying to work on form and features and have drawn a few vehicles.’

Mthethwa, who always has a smile on his face and some pencils in his pocket, admits his art brings him pleasure and peace in a rather wild world.

‘It’s a gift given to me by God and I do not want to waste it.’

With a selection of his work neatly folded up, Mthethwa can be seen walking around Empangeni and the surrounding areas displaying his work to anybody who is interested.