MADABANI – There is a new message of hope to all pensioners who think that retirement means sitting and doing nothing at home.

Mr George Makonya (68), a retired gardener of the Airforce Base Makhado, started a new life in wood carving after his retirement three years ago. Despite his age, Makonya said he is happy because he is contributing to the economic development of the country.

“It is not about money or fame; we have to strive to build our society, regardless of our age. I want to encourage my fellow pensioners to do something that will uplift their communities. Apart from keeping myself busy, I am acquiring new skills on a daily basis and this makes my mind stronger every day. The more I keep on working, the more my body becomes healthy. Being old does not mean that one cannot build one’s community. As elders, we have extensive knowledge that we must share with the youth for the development of our nation,” said the self-taught wood carver during our interview.

Although he has been in the competitive wood carving industry for only three years, Makonya has made his mark among the locals who appreciate his works and buy wooden items from him. Makonya’s state-of-the-art items range from coffee tables, wooden trays, watches and trophies.

He says he enjoys working alone, as he regards his job as more of a hobby than a moneymaking venture.

“I work alone at my home, although I do not have a decent workshop. I just keep on carving every day, because it is the job I enjoyed most.”

Married to Elisa (46) with six children, Makonya encouraged community members, especially the youth, to use their talents profitably as the government cannot provide everyone with a job.

“We have to use our talents to put some food on the table. We will also be fighting poverty and unemployment by doing something that can gen-erate an income for ourselves.”

Although he is famous locally, Makonya said he wants to spread his wings and promote his products even beyond the borders of Limpopo.

“I need someone who can assist me in promoting my items nationally and by doing so, I will be encouraging other pensioners to work hard to develop their own communities…”