EVEN in primary school, Patrice Mabasa knew he was gifted and his talent lay in his hands.
Patrice (48) from Mavambe Village, outside Malamulele in Limpopo, finished matric in 1996 but couldn’t further his studies.
“I started drawing flower pots for decorations. Later that year, I did a sculpture of Nelson Mandela using clay,” he said.
He told Daily Sun that was when his aunt Grace Nkondo realised his talent.
“She took me to Wits University in Joburg to study fine art.
“I only studied for two years and had to drop out as she couldn’t afford to pay for my studies any longer,” he said.
When he came back home, Patrice made the sculpture of former president Thabo Mbeki and gave it to him in 2008.
He said he has done many sculptures of animals and prominent people.
“To mark Youth Month, I have made the sculptures of Hector Pieterson and Sam Nzima, the photographer who took Hector’s picture during the 1976 Soweto riots,” he said.
He has also made sculptures of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Minister Nathi Mthethwa, Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha and Arts and Culture MEC Thandi Moraka.
“I would love to hand over the sculptures to them,” he said.
Patrice uses cement, plastic and clay to make sculptures.
He said he spends two to three days to complete a sculpture. “I sell them from R1 500 up to R30 000The prices range according to the sculpture and size the customer wants,” Patrice said.
His wish is said he is able to make a living out of his talent. His to get funding and mentor young artists.
“I have eight pupils who I mentor for free, but if I can get support I believe I will be able to mentor more, especially the young,” he said.
