Chronicle Editor
Rejoyce Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
In a small corner of Sizinda suburb in Bulawayo, Godfrey Makoni has made his mark. A carpenter by trade, he started off just looking for a way to survive. But as he began working for a local company specialising in carpentry, something changed. What began as a means to an end, soon turned into a passion.
Godfrey remembers the days when he used to take his salary and travel to Musina, South Africa to order clothes to sell back home. But as he learned more about carpentry and developed his skills, he found himself promoted from sandpapering to fitting in handles, locks, drawers, and other installations.
“I had no interest in carpentry at all. I remember that when I used to earn my money on monthends, I would take most of it, travel to Musina to order clothes that I would sell here. I would even distribute some of the clothes to some of my relatives so that they also sell them on my behalf,” said the 38-year-old man.
What strengthened his interest in carpentry even more was his best friend, who had a calling for this field and did wonders in it.
“I worked in the company with my friend Felix for quite some time and my interest in the work grew even more. As time went on, I think around 2011, my friend then decided to part ways with the company and start his own company. I also quit to join him and we worked well for about four years,” said Godfrey.
From that experience, Godfrey gained in-depth insight into the industry and learned so much that he eventually parted ways with his friend and started his own company, Makoni World in 2016. Starting off on his own was tough, but as he progressed, he was able to employ one or two people to help him.
“I now have four employees that help me when there is a lot of work to be done. One of them is my nephew whom I sent to school when he was in Grade Seven and now he is done with his Ordinary Level and is still pursuing his education. From its establishment, my company has been growing and I want to register it so that everything flows smoothly,” he said.
Carpentry has uplifted Godfrey’s life in ways he never thought possible. He has been able to provide for his family, educate his nephew, and pay his employees well. He takes pride in his work and selects the best materials for his products that last longer.
He takes his time when doing his work and doesn’t do it just for the sake of it.
The good part about the former Ihlathi High School student’s work is that it markets itself, and even if there is competition in the industry, he always stands out. Godfrey has worked with high profile people and big companies around the city.
But his success didn’t come easily. When he was starting his company, he faced the challenge of finding customers and recognition for his work. He spent a lot of time trying to market his work, but eventually, his work did all the marketing, and now it’s a different story altogether.
The carpenter carries out all his work at his backyard in Sizinda and he buys most of his raw materials locally. Godfrey makes cake stands, wardrobes, kitchen units, television stands, dressing tables, birthday stands, partitions for offices, shoe racks, display cupboards, coffee tables among many other things.
He said he is grateful for all the doors that God has been opening for him despite all the challenges and his goal is to grow his business and take it to the next level.
Godfrey’s goal is to grow his business and take it to the next level. His passion for carpentry has brought him to a place where he never thought he would be. And as he looks back on his journey, he knows that he wouldn’t have it any other way.— @ReeSibanda
Online Reporter