When he was arrested for murdering his partner and sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment in 2002, Mr Elson Mutshutshu Muvhango (55) thought his world had fallen apart forever.

While in prison, Muvhango started attending art and craft classes until he fully mastered the required skills. After staying in prison for eight years and nine months, Muvhango was released on parole, after displaying good behavior. He is now using the skills he acquired in prison to make cash. He makes beautiful flower pots, images of animals and decorative ornaments at his home in Malale village, outside Musina.

A staunch member of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), Muvhango says he deeply regrets the incident that led to his arrest in 2002. “I am now a reformed man and I deeply regret what I had done before I became man of God. I know what I did was wrong, because I was influenced by evil spirits. I ask God every day to forgive me my sins as I forgive the sins of my fellow men. I now live by the Word of God and I also have a duty to preach, so that other people can also see His greatness.”

Asked how he crafted his products, Muvhango was quick to respond: “I make sure that I have enough water, cement, river sand, cardboard boxes, old newspapers and bar soap. At times I also go to the bush to look for snail shells that I use to decorate my products. Those are all the ingredients I need to make any product that I can think of.”

He says it takes up to three days to complete most of his products. “I have to make sure that I put them in the sun to dry. It becomes difficult for me to work during rainy days as I don’t have a workshop.”

Muvhango, who also sells firewood for survival, says the prices of his products range from R50 to R500, depending on size. He says most of his customers are tourists who visit the village en route to the Kruger National Park.

Despite his talent, Muvhango says there are some setbacks for which he needs assistance in order to address them. “I need a ceramics machine, so that I can also manufacture plates, saucers and mugs, but I don’t have enough money to buy one. I appeal to anyone out there to assist me. I also need people who can help me to market my products, both locally and internationally. There is no constant water supply where I am staying as I don’t have a tap in the yard. This leads to a very serious shortage of water, which affects my production. I also need a decent workshop to execute my duties with ease.”

Muvhango can be contacted on 076 288 3044.