By Kefiloe Kajane
Bokang Leboli wants to fulfil his childhood dream of becoming a toy store owner which he has already started by creating car toys.
Leboli, who was born and raised in Mohale’s Hoek but moved to Maseru in search of opportunities, said he grew up making toy cars using wires. He would also make them for his peers. He said at that young age, he knew that creating and building toys with his own hands was to become his career.
Speaking to theReporter, he said due to the financial obstacles, he could not finish high school. He has since relied on making toy cars which has become his source of income.
Leboli makes toy cars from metals, wires and any old parts of cars he can find. He makes cars that move on its own and are remotely controlled.
He wishes that one day he would employ some young creative people and teach them how to make the toys.
“This is the gift that God has given and I would like that one day I share it with others. I did not go to any school to learn how to create these cars. It something that I learned on my own.
“I am grateful that Ntate Motlomelo, the creator of the Thabure vehicle, has offered me an internship to work with him so that I can improve my skills. He has been my mentor and I can relate to him so much because he is also a self-taught creator. He inspires me because I can see myself growing to be like him and accomplishing some of the things he has achieved as well,’ Leboli said.
At the moment, he is making some money as some parents are highly interested in his makes. He said his skills have attracted many customers who buy the models for their children.
A great challenge that he faces is that there is lack of machinery that would enable him to make cars faster. This, he explains, inhibits him from getting lots of orders. He is desperately in need of a welding machine.
“I need many machines but I believe if I can get the welding machine, I will be able to sell more toys and buy the rest of the machines that I think I need. It would be great to go to school to add to my skills. But for now, I need to make ends meet for my financial survival first,” he said.
Bokang can be found on his number +266 596 298 01.
