Many people say they will never touch clay because it makes them dirty, but to Suzan Tshitaudze (47) of Ha-Rabali in Nzhelele, clay is a true friend which provides her with food and comfort.

Suzan manufactures beautiful clay flowerpots, plates, containers, mvuvhelo, khali, zwidudu, to name but a few. Surprisingly, Suzan taught herself the skills two years ago because she had no one to rely upon. Though she did not get a chance to receive formal education, she jokingly claims that she is a graduate from the ‘University of Wisdom’. The formerly unemployed mother of five has found solace in clay and she can now put some food on the table after selling her clay products.

"I took matters upon myself and taught myself the skills until I graduated to be a fully fledged clay producer. Who am I to sit down and watch while my children continue to be victims of poverty? We are all gifted in some or other way, but some people are very lazy to use their brains to make ends meet." She explains how she suddenly found herself in the clay industry: "I initially thought of buying flowerpots for selling but I did not have money to start up. It quickly came to my mind that I can make my own flowerpots and that is where the clay business originated."

She further explains some factors that hinder progress in her small business: "I carry the clay on my head from Khunda, several kilometers away from my home. There is absolutely nothing I can do because I do not have other means of transport. I also do not have a proper place for work. I can’t even promote my products out of my house because they are heavy." She says it needs someone who is a hard worker and physically fit to succeed in this industry. "After making the desired products, I then move around the bush collecting fire wood and cow dung for heating the clay products. I heat them for the whole night in a special hole that I have dug in my home. I then wait for them to cool down and give them final touches with paint."

She says she can sometimes go for two months without a single customer. "This is an informal business which does not guarantee any income. I need someone who can assist me in marketing my products so that people know about my work all over the country." Suzan’s products start from R5 to R160, depending on the size desired by the customers.

Those who want to assist her in marketing her products can visit her at Ha-Rabali, west of Siloam Hospital, near the headman’s’ kraal, or alternatively call her neighbour Shonie at 082 481 7792.