Location(s)

My name is Benedict Nkosinathi Ncube.I started doing craft wire work inthe year 2002.I was introducd into this industry by a friend,Mr Victor Chiteura.For almost a year ,he taught the basics of wire designing and beading.After learning all the basics of wire art,I tried to be independent.(i.e .producing my own products for sale at the local markets where I had to compete with well established artists).Even though it wasn,t easy i kept on trying to perfect every product I produced to improve on quality,thus when I met one the most creative wire craft designers,Raymond Khama and Andrew Dambuleni who introduced me to recycling i.e in mid 2003. Not many artists were interested in recycling,so only a few were known in this field.I fell in Love with recycling and it also loved me as I became to be known as can man. I saw myself as playing a small part inthe fight against pollution and promoting the re use of waste to create employment for myself.

The raw materials I use to craft my products come mainly from empty cans that we pick from the streets. I collect these cans mainly from the streets and busy areas that are frequented by people.i.e places like taxi ranks and bus stations.

I have managed to also train a few people who now help me when I get big orders.So we work as a team ,sharing our profits equally.Some are now specialised in certain aspects of work so payment is according to work done.I work with about three women whom I tught to the weaving of recycling.All products are my own designs and I produce them with my team.

I am a full time artist/crafter. Craft work is for the creative mind as it promotes inventiveness, creativity , employment and enviromental awreness amongst the conscious minds.