TSHINO – International acclaimed sculptor Mrs Noria Mabasa will soon get the opportunity to become a teacher. This follows after Arts and Culture Deputy Minister, Ms Ntombazana Botha, had approved the construction of a centre in which Mabasa will teach sculpting.

The announcement was the highlight of the imbizo campaign in the Vhembe district by Ms Botha and the Limpopo Province’s MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Joe Maswanganyi.

The campaign started with a visit to Ms Mabasa. It was announced that the Department of Arts and Culture will build a workshop/gallery in honour of this highly talented sculptor who currently trains other artists, mainly women, at her homestead.

Recently, she crafted an image of a man raping a schoolgirl, a crocodile eating a young boy, South Africa’s coat of arms and the former parliament of the Republic of Venda. The coat of arms she crafted has been displayed in Parliament in Cape Town.

Mr Botha said sculpting is an anchor project that community members will benefit from. The government will help Mabasa in building a tourist centre with a big gallery, where people will display their crafts.

“Small businesses can start, because tourists need to visit places where there are accommodation and restaurants,” Ms Botha said.

Mr Maswanganyi said the province has identified its competitive strategy in mining, agriculture and tourism. “The craft industry, which is housed within the tourism sector, has vast potential for the economic development of the province. According to him, the collaboration is envisaged to enhance expertise on promoting growth and development of local crafters.