HALUVHIMBI - Through the skills he gained in prison, a reformed former armed robber, now out on strict parole conditions, is making a significant contribution to the development of his community by making and selling sculptures out of old cardboard boxes and green bar soap.

Enos Sambo (27) of Haluvhimbi, outside Thohoyandou, told Mirror: “I warn everyone not to engage in criminal activities because there is nothing to gain. I am now a reformed former criminal and I put my ideas into improving the lives of my fellow community members. I encourage everyone to be involved in community-building projects instead of doing crime. I will do my best to discourage criminal activities in my area.”

Asked about how he gained the sculpting experience in prison, Sambo said: “We used to make flower pots in prison, but my interest immediately shifted to making sculptures, especially animals.” Sambo admitted that he makes a small fortune out of his sculpting, and since he started making sculptures in March this year, he has so far sold 11 lions, three crocodiles, 16 guinea fouls, three elephants and nine antelopes.

The prices range from R70 to R300, depending on the size desired by the customer.

When Mirror asked him about the material he uses in making his sculptures, Sambo smiled and said: “Many people think that old cardboard boxes are useless. I grind them with a stone and mix them with pieces of green bar soap and water to make sculptures. After the sculptures get dry, I use furniture paint to give them an attractive appearance..."

Because the number of his customers is gradually increasing, Sambo has roped in his wife Thelma (24) and his younger brother Bumba (19) to work with him. “I have taught them all the skills and they are coping well. They are also the ones who go out to collect old cardboard boxes and buy green bar soap because my strict parole conditions do not allow me to go out of my yard.”

Although Sambo does not have a decent workshop, he said it is his positive attitude that motivated him to take sculpturing seriously.

“I work from a net behind my thatched hut and I put in extra effort in everything I do.” Though he enjoys local fame, Sambo told Mirror that he is now thinking of national acclaim and spreading his wings even beyond the Limpopo Province.

“I need someone to assist me in marketing my sculptures throughout the country. I also intend to build an art school in future, where I could teach other community members some of my artistic skills,” Sambo said.