MetPac-SA has empowered Mbongeni Msani, a talented waste picker from Emadlangeni local municipality in northern KwaZulu-Natal. This waste picker has the incredible talent and ability to transform metal scraps into stunning works of art.
Msani’s journey as a waste picker began as a means of survival. He began collecting metal scraps from the streets and landfills of Emadlangeni as a means of generating a small income. He soon learnt that he could generate a little bit more income from aluminium cans, and eventually focused on alu-cans for their higher value.
This venture has not only generated income for Msani, but has also sparked a passion for making art. Msani soon realised that there is wealth in waste. As he honed his artistic skills, he began crafting extraordinary pieces from flattened Coke cans and other metal substrates. He started setting aside some coke cans at home to explore.
Msani’s metal art paintings reflect the true resilience of waste pickers in South Africa who day in, day out wake up with hope of a brighter future. Through his art he tells a story of finding wealth in waste. His art highlights the potential for creativity and innovation in unexpected places.
Msani’s art showcases the possibilities of a new economy in waste. His journey embodies the essence of determination and courage of how something remarkable can be created out of nothing. With unyielding bravery, he inspires other waste pickers to think broadly and innovate. Msani’s determination has been the driving force and is a true testament to limitless human potential. His work further shows the infinite recyclability of metal and the wealth that can be generated from metal substrates. His paintings are painted in bold rich colours that symbolise new beginnings and a fresh start.
By transcending cultural boundaries his work fosters unity and reflects the nation’s philosophy of Ubuntu which is “I am because we are”.
MetPac-SA is very proud to have empowered this waste picker in his journey to rise above the odds and create world class art from metal substrates such as alu-cans. MetPac-SA has shown true commitment and portrayed the spirit of “Ubuntu” by purchasing the entire metal art collection of paintings from this waste picker. The world class metal art paintings are being curated at MetPac-SA offices to inspire other waste pickers in South Africa to innovate and expand into untapped opportunities in metal. These paintings are a talking point during MetPac-SA conferences and workshops.
MetPac-SA will continue to support Msani by opening markets where his paintings can be sold. Msani has a dream to see his art curated at international platforms.
