MUKULA - People thought Murwamuthu Muifha (19) was out of mind when he said he wanted to design a dream car that will minimize his travelling problems around the village. Twelve months later, everyone looked on in disbelief as the young man proudly drove around in a car he designed, using scrap metal, old parts of motorcycles and bicycle tyres.

He calls his dream car Murwa. He is now regarded as the Henry Ford of the village and everyone treats him with dignity in recognition of his creativity. How did the young boy from the rural village manage all this without proper machinery and formal skills?

“It is all about creativity, hard work and the desire to succeed. Success is a matter of choice, not obligation. I have to convert my ideas into practical work and I believed I would succeed because I am the master of my own destiny,” said Murwamuthu, who resides at Mukula Village outside Thohoyandou.

The creative genius, who is in Grade 9 at Tshidimbini Secondary School, used an old motorcycle engine to power his car, which has four gears. “I first powered it with an old generator but it did not perform up to my expectations. I then changed to a motorcycle engine and since then its performance is satisfactory. Although I am still struggling to in-sert an additional reverse gear and a hand brake in the car, I am happy because it can take me to any destination I like.”

Murwamuthu’s car does not have an ignition and as a result he uses a motorcycle kick-start pedal to run the engine. “I have used old metal material to make the body of the car and it was not easy to put them to a proper shape, as I do not have the necessary equipment. I have also fitted an old car steering wheel and a clutch, brake and accelerator pedals to control the movement of the car. Although its gauge is not functioning well, I make sure that the tank has enough petrol and I always check the oil to avoid engine nock. I am planning to fit a powerful music system in the car in the near future.”

Murwamuthu can also drive in the night as his car has an effective lighting system.

“I have fitted the car with the lights and I am using the bulbs that I was given by my uncle. Although it does not have a battery, the power from the engine generates current that for the lights,” said the young man, who shares a one-roomed house with six members of his family.

The car is also fitted with a motorcycle exhaust system and it boasts four shock absorbers made from old springs. “I engaged myself in piece jobs to make some money for welding and buying parts of the car. It has always been my dream to construct the car and I believe one day I will get a roadworthy certificate to use my car in public roads.”

“I haven’t finished constructing it yet. There are still lots of things that I must modify in the car although I do not have enough resources to realize my dreams. I need companies and individuals who can assist me in realizing my dreams. I will never allow my poor financial background to stop me”. If he is not busy working on his car, Murwamuthu spends his time fixing electrical wares like cell phones, kettles, hot plates and ovens.