A young man in Port Elizabeth is making a living by carving curios from the wooden planks of discarded pallets. Ulundi Mpulu was inspired by his grandfather, who was a carpenter. “I started creating curios in 2017, after realising that there were many discarded wooden pallets around Motherwell. These pallets block stormwater drains and ultimately cause pollution by causing sewage spillages”.
“Turning the pallets into a money-making project was not difficult since I grew up with a deep passion for woodwork inherited from my grandfather. I learnt a lot of skills from him,” he said. Mpulu obtained a one-year certificate in carpentry from the Raymond Mhlaba Training Centre.
In 2018 he registered his business, The House of Pallets situated in Motherwell. He started getting orders from people who wanted to refurbish their furniture. “After realizing that the business was being welcomed by residents, other township artists approached me to have their products exhibited in the curio shop,” said Mpulu.
The House of Pallets now exhibits various products, such as isiXhosa traditional clothes, crocheted skirts and seat covers, wooden bags and spoons, and leather belts and wallets. “I want to train the youth on how to turn dumped wooden pallets into curios that will be sold to the public, earning them income,” adds Mpulu.
The young entrepreneur gets assistance from his brother, Bhakhusele, and their mother, Nomfundo.“We want visitors and tourists to feel at home when they visit The House of Pallets. We have turned everything to reflect the theme of wood. Ulundi is into wood manufacturing while we feed his tourists and visitors,” said Bhakhusele.
