BEING bullied as a young boy forced Mahlomola Hlalele (38) of Theke, in Hlohlowane, Free State to resort to unusual survival tactics.
When he was younger, groups of young men used to moer him for fun. Because he was small and outnumbered, Mahlomola could not fight back. To get away from his bullies, he would look for the nearest tree and climb it in seconds.
“There was never any time to look for a ladder.
“I would just climb a tree as fast as I could to escape the other boys’ abuse,” he said.
The once fearful boy is now a grown man who cuts trees for a living.
The father of four said his age has not slowed him down, as he is still able to climb tall trees in the blink of an eye.
He said his business is doing well, with residents calling him to cut their trees for firewood or make more space in their yards.
Most of the people in his kasi are afraid of heights, but Mahlomola always come to their rescue and uses their fear as an opportunity to provide for his wife and children.
Thabang Selemela (56), who has known Mahlomola since he was a little boy, said he was surprised by his career choice.
“I used to watch him climb trees as a young boy.
“But I didn’t think he would one day make a living from it.”
