26 Nov 2024

In the heart of Francistown, where the sun beats down on the dusty streets and the air hums with the rhythm of everyday life, a unique story is unfolding.

Keitumetse Mosweu, a young man from Maun with a spark of ingenuity and a heartful of creativity, has found a way to turn discarded tyres into captivating works of art.

Aged 36, Mosweu’s creations, ranging from whimsical motorbikes to lifelike sculptures of Botswana’s iconic wildlife, are not just pieces of art, but a testament to his dedication and a symbol of hope for the future.

Mosweu’ s journey started with a simple observation. 

The streets of Francistown, like many other towns across Botswana, were littered with worn out tyres, discarded like unwanted relics. But Mosweu saw a different story, a story waiting to be told. 

With a drilling machine, a compressor and a cutting grinder in his hand and a mind overflowing with ideas, he began to transform these discarded items into something beautiful and functional.

His first creation was a flower pot, crafted from a discarded tyre and a touch of metal artistry. 

Later, it was a motorbike, a symbol of speed and freedom, which resonated with the community. People stopped by, marvelling at its originality and admiring Mosweu’ s vision.

Word spread quickly, and soon other innovative creations followed. 

Garden chairs, sturdy and comfortable, were crafted from tyres, their rubber texture offering a unique seating experience.

Mosweu’s artistic journey took a significant turn when he began to sculpt Botswana’s majestic wildlife, including water reptiles such as crocodiles.

From the graceful big birds like flamingos to the powerful crabs, Mosweu captured the essence of these animals in tyre sculptures that were both realistic and awe-inspiring.

He even incorporated colourful paint, adding a vibrant touch to the otherwise monochromatic material.

These sculptures quickly became a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide who were mesmerised by Mosweu’s talent and the story behind each piece.

“I want to show people that even something as simple as a tire can be transformed into something beautiful. I want to inspire others to see the potential in the things we often discard,” says Mosweu, his eyes sparkling with passion. 

Mosweu’s artistry goes beyond mere aesthetics. It is a symbol of resourcefulness, a testament to the power of imagination and a commitment to environmental sustainability.

 He has found a way to turn waste into wealth, empowering himself and inspiring others in the community.

“Though, I get some of the tyres from garages, I also collect those that I see lying on the streets for environmental sustainability,” he said.

He says the discarded tyres are a breeding ground for mosquitoes, especially during these times of heavy rainfall.

His creations provide a livelihood for himself and his family, proving that with creativity and dedication, even the most ordinary materials can become extraordinary.

Mosweu’s journey is a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places, and that even from the rubble of discarded tyres, a vibrant and inspiring story can emerge.

He explains that his life took a surprising turn thanks to a simple Youtube video. He says he stumbled upon a clip showcasing the innovative use of discarded tyres.

“From that moment, I was hooked and I knew this was a calling. This video sparked a fire within me, igniting a passion for transforming discarded tyres into something new and valuable,” he adds.

He explains that he delved deeper into the business, researching and learning all about it and from that point onward, he never looked back.

“I dedicated myself to turning my knew-found knowledge into a thriving enterprise, driven by the idea that discarded tyres could be more than just waste. My journey from a curious viewer to an entrepreneur had just began,” he adds.

Though he is trading under no name, he has opened an account with Orange Money and MyZaka to make some savings.

Mosweu encourages the youth to realise that wealth is all around them, waiting to be unlocked.

He emphasises that the potential for prosperity exists is everything that surrounds them, making it possible to transform their environment into a source of abundance.

Meanwhile, one particular piece from Mosweu, a life-sized crocodile, which caught the eye of a Chinese passerby.

Mr Li Cheng says from a distance, the detail of the piece was a masterful that it seems to be breathing with its eyes glinting in the sunlight.

Mr Li, captivated, approached closer before he ran a hand over the rough back, marvelling at the realism.

“I almost mistook it for a real crocodile,” he says, but Mosweu replied, ‘It is meant to be intimidating a little bit’.

“You know, I am going to buy it. I have a bit of a problem with unwanted visitors and I am sure this sculpture will keep them at bay,” he says.

As he continues to craft his art, Mosweu is not only transforming tires but also transforming the way we see the world around us, one tire sculpture at a time. ENDS