The Enzo Ferrari of Endolvini

Gallery Video

MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - Onke Mathanzima is a Grade 10 learner at Indwe Secondary School with not only a creative talent, but the ability to make his ideas come to life.

He builds cars. These cars start with a sketch, then the frame is crafted from wire and the exterior covered with leather, stitched by hand.

But the cherry on top is that his cars are "true to life". They are battery operated to play music. Some are remote controlled. And the engine, underneath a bonnet that actually opens, revs when you press the accelerator. Yes, there is an accelerator.

'I can make any car'

Onke explains that he started this hobby in 2021. A teacher at his school bought one of his cars from him, but otherwise, he keeps them or builds cars for children in his neighbourhood. He says his work is of great interest to the youngsters who live in his area.

"When I see a car, I just look at it and I think: I can make this car. I think and I write before I start."

The boy from Endolvini builds VW models such as the Polo and GTI. There is also a BMW sedan among his creations and an Isuzu bakkie.

"I can make any car," he says with a smile.

VIDEO: The “Enzo Ferrari” of Endolvini

Since his early childhood, Onke enjoyed drawing.

Photo gallery: Model cars from recycled materials

A new car starts with a rough sketch and then the search for materials starts. Onke recycles and buys his own materials, if possible.

"I go to bed at night and dream of the things I want to do and make. I have more ideas than materials to work with."

But this does not stop him from biding this time, being both creative and productive.

"I can even work with cans.

"And wood. If I have wood, I will work with that. I will do anything that will make me proud."

He dreams of becoming a designer. "I can make my own things. Just show me something and I will make it for you."

Sporting a GP registration number, this BMW is an impressive handmade replica of the real McCoy.

Crowd pleaser

One of the highlights at the fun day hosted by iKhaya community development, sport and recreations centre recently, was Onke's demonstration.

Members of the crowd were absolutely delighted when Onke cranked up the radio fitted to his model car and played a popular song, using the handheld microphone and PA system on site, so they could dance to it.

The only things Onke's car lacked, were wheels. Programme director Nomboniso Jika acted swiftly and called on municipal ward councillor Thabo Mvumvu to assist. Mvumvu rose to the challenge and donated R500 to iKhaya to enable a smiling Onke to finish his works of art.

Onke gets the car ready to play some music.